Over 200 cholera cases in Zambian capital Lusaka

Lusaka: Cholera cases in Zambian capital Lusaka increased to around 226 despite assurances by authorities that the waterborne disease is under control, the media reported.

According to the Ministry of Health, only one death has been recorded so far, Xinhua news agency reported on Thursday.

Cholera broke out last month in one of the sprawling shanty compounds in the Zambian capital with 20 cases but the waterborne disease has spread to other parts of the city.

Lusaka Province Medical Officer Kennedy Malama said the disease has been recorded in two other suburbs in the capital but insisted that the situation was under control, according to the Zambia National Broadcasting Corporation.

The health official has since appealed to resident to uphold high standards of hygiene.

The authorities have also banned sale of foodstuffs in open areas as well as public gatherings in the affected areas in order to contain the disease.