LUSAKA, Jan. 5 (Xinhua) -- Management at Zambia's biggest public university on Friday announced the closure of the institution following a cholera outbreak.

Students at the University of Zambia (UNZA), which is situated in Lusaka, the country's capital, who have already reported for commencement of classes have since been directed to return back to their homes.

Sitali Wamundila, the university's registrar, said management decided not to reopen the institution following a cholera outbreak, which has mainly affected the country's capital and following a statement by the health ministry postponing the reopening of all schools in the country.

Free transport will be provided for students without means to return back to their homes, Wamundila said in a statement.

The Zambian Ministry of Health said 100 new cases of cholera have been recorded in the last 24 hours, bringing the total to 2,248, according to a statement.

Minister of Health Chitalu Chilufya said three more fast food outlets have been closed in Lusaka after samples from their premises tested positive for the cholera bacterium.

No vendors will be allowed back on the streets after the containment of the cholera outbreak, the statement said, adding that two designated sites have been identified where the traders will be operating from.