The cholera epidemic in southern Africa continues to abate, but international and local health authorities stress the need to remain vigilant, the United Nations reported here on Wednesday.

"Overall, the duration and magnitude of the epidemic underscores the need for strengthening surveillance, preparedness and underscores plans in all countries," according to the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA).

There were a total of 4,579 new cases on April 3-17 in the nine countries -- Angola, Botswana, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, Swaziland, Zambia and Zimbabwe -- affected by the often fatal disease since August 2008.

During the two weeks preceding April 3, 6,460 new cases were reported, OCHA said.

Authorities warn, however, that cholera could re-appear in the coming one to three weeks, when waters from flooding in the region, which has affected more than 1.2 million people, subside and become stagnant.

Those displaced by the deluge lack access to shelter, water and sanitation facilities and are at higher risk of contracting the disease, OCHA said. To prevent that from happening, UN Country Teams and humanitarian partners plan to expedite their aid to flood victims.

In a number of countries, national cholera policies and contingency planning is also taking place, in partnership with the UN World Health Organization (WHO), the UN Children's Fund (UNICEF)and other organizations.

The cumulative total of cholera cases reported in southern Africa stands at 155,692, including 96,718 cases in Zimbabwe, the worst affected country.

The total number of reported deaths stands at 4,686, with 4,218 of those in Zimbabwe, OCHA said.

(Xinhua News Agency April 23, 2009)