LUSAKA, Sept. 18 (Xinhua) -- Zambia has recorded a total of 174 cholera cases, including two deaths, since the outbreak emerged in the country's north last month, health authorities said Thursday.

Speaking at a press briefing, Minister of Health Elijah Muchima said that 156 patients have been discharged, while 16 remain hospitalized in three districts in northern Zambia.

The outbreak, which began on Aug. 5 in Mpulungu District, the epicenter, has since spread to Kipwa, a neighboring town in Tanzania. "We have confirmed cases linked to travel for a funeral and fish trading in Tanzania, underscoring the need for regional cooperation," he said.

He added that the ministry, in collaboration with partners, has scaled up response efforts, opened cholera treatment centers, and intensified surveillance. Plans are also underway to vaccinate another 200,000 people with the oral cholera vaccine in the next two weeks.

Muchima said that challenges remain, particularly poor sanitation and unsafe water supplies in affected communities.