Health Department Puts Lusaka on Cholera Alert

The Zambian health department has put the capital Lusaka on cholera alert following reports of suspected cases in the city, the 'Times of Zambia' reported on Monday. The paper quoted Central Board of Health spokesman Ben Chirwa as saying that eight health clinics in Lusaka have been put on alert, adding: "We have cases that are being suspected as cholera and investigations as well as awareness have continued." He said a team of experts has also been dispatched to other areas reporting possible cholera outbreaks. Chirwa said the situation in Kabwe, Central Province, where the first cholera case was recorded last month, is getting worse everyday, adding the main problem facing the city is lack of a clean water supply. Other sources said the ministry of health is running out of drugs to treat cholera patients and is trying to mobilize resources to order new stocks. The ministry is seeking help from UNICEF, WHO and other international bodies to help with the supply of drugs, the report added.