CHILILABOMBWE RECORDS 24 CHOLERA CASES, 3 DEATHS IN ONE WEEK

Chililabombwe has reported 24 confirmed cases of cholera, resulting in three fatalities over the past week. According to District Surveillance Officer Eston Simwala, all cases were locally transmitted, with no evidence of travel outside the district. The outbreak’s epicenter has been identified as Kasumbalesa, a bustling border area critical to trade between Zambia and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

During a surveillance meeting, Mr. Simwala highlighted that the youngest patient is under two years old, while the rest are aged 15 and above. He further revealed that those most affected by the outbreak include 18 traders, three food handlers working in local restaurants, and three truck drivers traveling between Ndola and the DRC.

Health Experts Warn of Further Spread
Copperbelt Provincial Public Health Specialist Dr. Christopher Dube expressed serious concerns about the potential for the disease to spread to other towns. Chililabombwe’s strategic location as a major trading hub makes it particularly vulnerable to rapid transmission.

Dr. Dube emphasized the critical need to contain the outbreak, stressing the importance of swift and coordinated interventions. “We must engage the community in raising awareness about cholera prevention, improve sanitation, and ensure access to clean water to curb the spread of the disease,” he stated.

Call for Action
The outbreak underscores the urgent need for improved hygiene practices and proactive measures at the Kasumbalesa border, where significant trade and human interaction occur daily. Health authorities are calling on all stakeholders, including traders, truck drivers, and food handlers, to adhere to public health guidelines.

Public health teams are reportedly intensifying efforts to provide treatment, monitor new cases, and conduct community sensitization campaigns to educate residents about cholera prevention and symptoms.

Residents are encouraged to maintain proper hygiene, boil drinking water, and report any suspected cases to health authorities immediately.

As the situation develops, authorities remain on high alert, with containment and prevention efforts continuing to be a top priority to protect the health and well-being of the district’s population.
By Lovemore Sondashi