ISSN 2326-7291
International Journal of Public Health and Epidemiology ISSN: 2326-7291 Vol. 3 (6), pp. 031-034, June 2014. © International Scholars Journals
Full Length Research Paper
Post-mortem of the 2007 Plague epidemic in Zambia
Mabvuto Kango
Officer-Health, Population & Nutrition, African Union Commission, HQ, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.Corresponding author. E-mail: [email protected]
Accepted 24 December, 2013
Abstract
Zambia’s Petauke district experienced a plague epidemic in 2007, where there were a total of 425 cases and two deaths. What could have contributed to such a large number of cases? Due to the changing rainfall (and other climatic conditions) patterns, outbreaks of diseases such as plague are likely to recur. Identification and sharing of some of the lessons learned can greatly contribute to reducing morbidity and preventing mortality in future. The article presents a Case study of the 2007 Plague Epidemic in Zambia that highlights what went right and what went wrong in responding to the epidemic.
Key words: Zambia, lessons learned, plague, rainfall patterns, outbreak.