(Special for CAFS) Zambian capital bans foodstuff sales in open areas to contain cholera

Authorities in Zambia have banned the sale of foodstuffs in open trading areas in an effort to contain a cholera outbreak in Lusaka, the country's capital, state media reported on Thursday.

Cholera cases have shot up to over 40 since the water-borne disease broke out early this month in one of the sprawling slums in the city, with one death recorded so far.

Minister of Local Government and Housing Stephen Kampyongo said the ban of the sale of food stuffs in open trading areas was meant to prevent further spread of the disease, adding that the government was enforcing stringent measures in line with its campaign of keeping the country clean and healthy.

"The government is geared to keep Zambia clean to reduce waterborne diseases such as cholera, but this effort requires support from various stakeholders," he is quoted as saying by the Times of Zambia.

The government's desire, he said, was to see a cholera-free nation and has since urged members of the general public to be extra cautious with hygienic matters to contain the disease.

According to the Ministry of Health, research conducted in the area has established that the main source of cholera was from contaminated water being used by the community.

The authorities have since distributed 15, 518 bottles of chlorine so that residents could treat their water.

This is the first time in six years that the Zambian capital is experiencing a cholera outbreak. Endit