Zambia declares cholera outbreak over, as 138 Mpox cases reported across country

The Zambian government has officially declared the cholera outbreak over, after the country surpassed the internationally required threshold of 28 consecutive days without a new confirmed case.

Health Minister, Dr. Elijah Muchima, said the sustained period of zero transmission meets the global criteria for declaring an outbreak over, as defined by the Global Task Force on Cholera Control (GTFCC).

Speaking at a media briefing in Lusaka on Thursday, Muchima revealed that the last confirmed case was recorded in Kabwe District, Central Province, on Tuesday, May 13, 2025.

The outbreak, which began earlier this year, claimed nine lives and affected 496 people.

“This is a victory for the Zambian people. We owe immense gratitude to our heroic healthcare workers—doctors, nurses, environmental health officers, laboratory technicians, and support staff—whose tireless dedication on the frontlines was instrumental in saving lives,” Muchima stated.

He added that the country’s Rapid Response Teams acted swiftly and effectively to contain hotspot areas, while community leaders and volunteers played a vital role in promoting life-saving practices such as the “Three Cs”—Clean Water, Clean Hands, and Early Care.

“We also extend heartfelt appreciation to all our local and international partners whose unwavering technical and material support strengthened our national response and made this success possible,” he said.

While the outbreak has officially ended, Dr. Muchima warned that the threat of cholera remains, particularly due to ongoing drought conditions which continue to compromise water safety and hygiene standards.

He assured that the Ministry of Health remains committed to safeguarding public health and is intensifying efforts by pre-positioning essential medical supplies in high-risk districts and enhancing community-based surveillance to ensure early detection and treatment of acute watery diarrhoea.

“In collaboration with line ministries and stakeholders, we continue to advocate for and support sustainable improvements in water, sanitation, and hygiene in vulnerable communities,” he said, adding that regular simulation exercises were being conducted to maintain the readiness of response teams.

“To every Zambian citizen: your role remains vital. Continue using only safe, treated, or boiled water for drinking and cooking. Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and clean water at critical times. Practice good sanitation and food hygiene. Most importantly, seek immediate medical care at the nearest health facility if you or anyone experiences symptoms of acute watery diarrhoea,” Muchima advised.

Meanwhile, the Minister revealed that as of June 27, 2025, a total of 138 confirmed cases of Mpox have been reported countrywide since the outbreak was first identified in October 2024 in Chitambo District, Central Province.

He said all provinces except Luapula have reported Mpox cases, with 29 districts confirming at least one infection.

“The Copperbelt Province has recorded the highest number of confirmed cases at 32, followed by Muchinga with 29, Lusaka 28, Western 19, North-Western 18, Central 7, Eastern 2, Southern 2, and Northern 1,” he outlined.

Muchima also disclosed that three Mpox-related deaths have been reported in Lusaka, Petauke, and Mpika districts.

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