Cholera Situation Update – Two new cholera cases in
Press Statement Wednesday 14th January 2026
The Zambia National Public Health Institute (ZNPHI has confirmed two (2) new cholera cases in Lusaka District within the last 24 hours, at a time when the country is experiencing heightened risk of floods due to persistent heavy rainfall in several provinces. The newly recorded cases bring the cumulative number of cholera cases in Lusaka to twenty (20) and the national total to six hundred and twenty-five (625) cases since the outbreak began in August 2025.
According to ZNPHI’s Daily National Cholera Surveillance Update, a cumulative total of nine (9) deaths have been recorded since the onset of the outbreak, while 616 patients have been successfully discharged. The country currently has no cholera cases in admission.
The cumulative distribution of cholera cases by district is as follows: Mpulungu (316), Nsama (161), Monze (43), Masaiti (28), Lusaka (20), Mbala (18), Mpika (8), Kitwe
(7), Senga Hill (5), Chilanga (5), Solwezi (3), Chongwe (3), Kasempa (2), Kabwe (2), Ndola (2), Gwembe (1), and Kaputa (1).
ZNPHI notes with concern that the ongoing flood situation may heighten the risk of cholera transmission, as flooding often leads to the contamination of water sources, damage to sanitation facilities, and displacement of communities. These conditions create an environment conducive to the spread of waterborne diseases such as cholera, particularly in densely populated and low-lying areas. Flooded communities, overflowing pit latrines, and compromised water supply systems pose a serious public health threat and require heightened vigilance from both authorities and the public.
ZNPHI strongly urges members of the public to take the following preventive measures:
• Avoid drinking untreated water; always boil or chlorinate water before use
• Practice regular handwashing with soap and safe water
• Avoid contact with flood waters where possible
• Properly dispose of waste and ensure latrines are not flooded
• Seek immediate medical attention at the nearest health facility if experiencing symptoms such as watery diarrhoea or vomiting.
ZNPHI, in collaboration with the Ministry of Health, local authorities, and cooperating partners, has intensified disease surveillance, case investigation, and community sensitisation activities in affected and high-risk districts. Efforts are also underway to strengthen water quality monitoring and enhance risk communication, particularly in flood-prone communities.
ZNPHI will continue to closely monitor the situation and provide timely updates to the public.
For media inquiries, please contact:
Dr. Doreen Shempela,
Director, Public Health Policy Diplomacy and Communications (PHPDC) Doreen.Shempela@znphi.gov.zm
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