Cholera epidemic he continues to it spreads at Zambiawhere cases were confirmed in two other regions, the health authorities announced yesterday Wednesday.

Two cases of the infectious disease were recorded in Dselege District, Luapula Province, one of which was fatal, on February 12, while another case was reported in Chipagali District, Eastern Province.

Since the outbreak hit the African country of more than 17 million people last month, 135 cases and three deaths have been confirmed, according to health ministry figures.

Health Minister Silvia Masebo emphasized that the authorities are continuing the campaign to inform and raise awareness among the population in order to control the epidemic.

Cholera is spread through contaminated water and human feces. After a short incubation period of two to five days, it causes extremely acute diarrhea, vomiting, dehydration, and—if not treated immediately—death within hours. It is extremely dangerous for small children.

In September, the World Health Organization sounded the alarm about an “alarming resurgence” of cholera internationally after years of decline, as climate change adds to the factors contributing to its spread, in addition to poverty and armed conflict. conflicts.

The disease infects 1.3 to 1.4 million people worldwide each year and kills between 21,000 and 143,000 people, the international organization estimated in 2021.