The outbreak began on Sept. 28 but appeared to die down by Oct. 20, with fewer than five patients reported weekly until Nov. 5. The number of cases then surged, with 136 in the week beginning Nov. 26, the World Health Organization reported.

Presidential spokesman Amos Chanda said in a statement late on Friday that the president believed emergency measures were needed to contain the waterborne disease, including the closure of some markets.

The outbreak was initially confined to densely populated parts of Lusaka where poor sanitation can aid its transmission, but the disease had now spread to low density areas, Chanda said.

“The president is deeply concerned at rampaging advance of the epidemic and has therefore called on the defense forces to join other stakeholders … and thoroughly clean up Lusaka,” Chanda said.

The outbreak was initially linked to contaminated water from shallow wells but investigations revealed that the spread was being propagated through contaminated food, he said.

“In the last two weeks, three traders from Soweto market have died from cholera and 18 are currently under admission in cholera treatment centers,” Chanda said, referring to Zambia’s largest market.

Chanda said all markets, bars, restaurants and other public places that pose a risk of further transmission of cholera would be closed until they met hygiene standards.

Cholera is spread by ingesting fecal matter and causes acute watery diarrhea. It can be treated with oral rehydration solution but the disease spreads rapidly and can kill within hours if not treated.

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Source: Reuters

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“Today is a very important day in our great Nation. It is the day when we need to humble ourselves as a people and have sincere cries to the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. He will hear our cry, forgive our sins and heal our land.” President Edgar Lungu posted on his Facebook page as he encouraged citizens to join in.

Zambia is holding national prayers second year in running, after President Edgar Lungu declared an annual prayer day that also doubles as a public holiday in the county.

According to Zambia reports the opposition United Party for National Development said that it will not participate in the October 18 Day of National Prayers and Fasting.

Most bars, pubs and public places, including restaurants and fast-food outlets, closed in a spirit to enable members of the public to dedicate their time in passionate prayer and fasting according to Lusaka Times.

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Source: CCTV-Africa

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