WHO: Cholera spreads in DR Congo amid ongoing Ebola epidemic
Cholera Spreads Across the Democratic Republic of Congo Amid Ongoing Ebola Epidemic
The cholera epidemic in the Democratic Republic of Congo continues to expand, with more than 125,000 suspected cases and 3,644 suspected deaths recorded between January 2025 and late September 2026, according to an alert issued by the World Health Organization. While the country battles an Ebola outbreak in the east, cholera is gaining ground in multiple regions due to a lack of access to safe drinking water and sanitation infrastructure.
- Suspected cholera cases reached 51,412 with 1,487 deaths across 21 provinces since the start of 2026.
- Weekly cases rose by 17% between late September, recording 2,932 suspected cases and 86 deaths in a single week.
- Simultaneously, the Ebola outbreak has recorded 9,066 cases and 4,381 deaths across seven provinces.
Surge in Weekly Infections and Provincial Distribution
For the single week of September 21 to 28, health authorities registered 2,932 suspected cases and 86 deaths, compared to 2,506 cases and 62 deaths the previous week. This marked a 17% increase in infections within seven days, pushing the weekly fatality rate to 2.9%. With nearly 3,000 cases reported in a week, the notification level remains nearly six times higher than the alert threshold of 500 weekly cases. The provinces of South Kivu, North Kivu, and Haut-Katanga account for roughly 60% of all reported suspected cases, maintaining active transmission in areas where the disease is endemic. During the most recent surveillance period, four new health zones were affected: three in Tshuapa province and one in South Kivu.
Insecurity and Rain Hinder Medical Response Efforts
Response operations face severe security and logistical obstacles. In the eastern part of the country, insecurity restricts medical teams from reaching certain areas, particularly Kibua and Masisi. The distance of villages from healthcare facilities delays patient treatment, increasing mortality risks, as noted by the World Health Organization. Environmental conditions compound these pressures, as reliance on well water and heavy rains wash contaminated runoff into household water sources. To mitigate transmission, response teams are installing four water chlorination sites in heavily affected areas of North Kivu, while planning to disinfect nearly 4,000 households and 5,900 latrines in Tanganyika.
Cross-Border Vaccination Plans Coincide with Ebola Epidemic
Preparations for an oral vaccination campaign continue along the islands of the Congo River corridor, alongside a joint cross-border vaccination plan being developed by the Democratic Republic of Congo and the Republic of Congo. In South Kivu, reactive vaccination campaigns proceed in the Mulungu and Shabunda health zones alongside community outreach. This cholera surge coincides with an Ebola epidemic driven by the Bundibugyo strain, which has recorded 9,066 cases and 4,381 deaths across seven provinces and 65 health zones, resulting in a 48.3% case fatality rate. While Uganda was declared Ebola-free in August after 20 cases, Kenya confirmed its first imported case associated with this outbreak following the death of a traveler who journeyed from the Democratic Republic of Congo through Uganda. Response efforts in Isiro, Haut-Uele, include expanding the Ebola treatment center while maintaining essential health services at the town’s general reference hospital.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for educational and scientific communication purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider regarding any medical condition, diagnosis, or treatment plan.