Archive · 13 Nov 2025
Africa Faces Worst Cholera Outbreak in 25 Years Amidst Surging Cases
Imagine a tummy bug called cholera that makes people very sick with diarrhea.
Africa is dealing with the biggest outbreak of this bug in 25 years.
This means lots and lots of people are getting sick, and sadly, many are passing away.
The bug likes to spread when there isn't clean water to drink or when toilets aren't clean.
This is happening a lot in places where there's fighting or where water pipes are broken.
While some places like Congo are getting better at stopping the bug, it's still a big problem.
Health experts are also watching out for other sicknesses like a fever in Ethiopia and a skin disease called Mpox in other countries.
Africa is experiencing its worst cholera outbreak in 25 years, according to the Africa CDC.
Approximately 300,000 cases and over 7,000 deaths have been recorded, marking a significant increase from last year.
The surge in cases is attributed to poor access to safe water, fragile water systems, and ongoing conflict.
While outbreaks in Congo, South Sudan, and Somalia show improvement, the situation remains concerning in conflict-stricken areas.
The Africa CDC is also monitoring suspected viral hemorrhagic fever in Ethiopia and declining but persistent Mpox outbreaks in several nations.
- Who
- Africa CDC
- What
- Worst outbreak of cholera in 25 years, with about 300,000 cases and over 7,000 deaths recorded, alongside suspected viral hemorrhagic fever in Ethiopia and ongoing concerns about Mpox in several countries.
- When
- Thursday (briefing date); cases surging in recent weeks.
- Where
- Africa, with specific mention of Angola, Burundi, Congo, South Sudan, Somalia, Ethiopia, Kenya, Guinea, Liberia, and Ghana.
- Why
- Poor access to safe water, fragile water systems, conflict, and inadequate sewage and drinking water treatment.
Cholera Outbreak Factors
Cholera Situation Outlook
Causes and Contributing Factors
Cholera Outbreak Factors
The Africa CDC attributes the surge in cholera cases to poor access to safe water, fragile water systems, and conflict.
Cholera Situation Outlook
While overall cases are increasing, the outbreak in Congo appears to be under control with declining cases, and the situation has improved in South Sudan and Somalia.
Disease Spread and Control
Cholera Outbreak Factors
Cholera spreads quickly when sewage and drinking water are not adequately treated, particularly in conflict-stricken areas with overcrowded camps and poor sanitation.
Cholera Situation Outlook
Mpox outbreaks are declining in some of the worst-hit places but remain a concern in Kenya, Guinea, Liberia, and Ghana. Ethiopia is investigating suspected viral hemorrhagic fever cases with deployed rapid response teams.
- Total Cholera Cases (Recorded and Suspected)
- About 300,000
- Total Cholera Deaths
- Over 7,000
- Increase in Cases Compared to Last Year
- More than 30%
- Primary Causes Cited
- Poor access to safe water, fragile water systems, conflict
- Affected Countries Mentioned
- Angola, Burundi, Congo, South Sudan, Somalia, Ethiopia, Kenya, Guinea, Liberia, Ghana