Main health risks for Zambia

Diseases transmitted by insects or animals

The whole country is malarial with a seasonal transmission (from November to April) between 600 and 1000 meters; sporadic cases of transmission have been observed over 1000 meters. Strains are highly resistant to chloroquine (zone 3).

Cases of Lassa fever occur regularly. It is a viral hemorrhagic fever hosted by a rodent. Around 8 in 10 people infected with Lassa virus develop mild or no symptoms, but in 20 percent of cases people will have severe illness. Symptoms include fever, headache, sore throat, a cough, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, and muscle pain. In October 2008, a new virus from Arenaviridae family (Lassa fever' family) had been discovered after the deaths of 3 people from Zambia and South Africa.

Trypanosomiasis (Sleeping sickness) is endemic in the country. The disease is transmitted by the bite of the tsetse fly. Symptoms begin with fever and headache continues with mental confusions, insomnia during nighttime and daytime slumber. If not treated, the disease can be fatal.

Due to the risk of filariasis, travelers are advised to protect from insect bites.

There are cases of animal rabies in the country.

Diseases transmitted by food, water or through the environment

Diarrheic diseases are common.

During the rainy season, from November to April, cholera outbreaks are frequent. In order to minimize risks, it is recommended to wash hands thoroughly before meals and to use uncontaminated water.

Pharynx plagues has appeared at the beginning of 2007 in eastern Zambia. It has already infected 200 persons and killed 2. This disease is transmitted through the consumption of mice meat, which is usual in this area, and provokes an infection of airways and stomach.

Due to the risk of schistosomiasis, bilharzias and other parasitic infestations, travelers are advised not to bathe in fresh waters (lake, rivers) and should not walk bare-foot. Currently, about 2 million Zambians are affected with bilharzias, with a prevalence rate estimated at 90 per cent in some communities.

Diseases transmitted by contact with infected people

Zambia is facing one of the worst HIV/AIDS epidemics in the world. According to UNAIDS, 15% of the adult population (15-49) are HIV positive.

In May 2011, a measles outbreak has been reported in Eastern Province. More than, 1,000 cases have been reported (no deaths). Measles is an infectious disease transmitted through contact with the nose and throat discharges of an infected person, for instance when an infected person sneezes or coughs. The disease mainly affects young children and remains a leading cause of infant mortality. Symptoms of measles are high temperature, skin eruptions, pimples, sore eyes and cough. An efficient vaccine exists against the disease.