Health

DR Congo cholera cases top 125,000 as the country also battles an Ebola outbreak, WHO warns

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DR Congo cholera cases have passed 125,000 suspected infections, with 3,644 suspected deaths between January 2025 and the end of September 2026, the World Health Organization (WHO) warned on 14 October. The epidemic is spreading while the country also fights a deadly Ebola outbreak in the east.

DR Congo cholera: A woman and child wait at a cholera treatment centre in South Kivu (file photo)
A woman and child wait at a cholera treatment centre in South Kivu (file photo) Photo: © UNICEF/Jospin Benekire via UN News (editorial use with credit).

World Health Organization figures for 2026

Since the start of 2026, more than 51,412 suspected cases and 1,487 deaths have been reported in 21 provinces, WHO said. From 21 to 28 September alone there were 2,932 suspected cases and 86 deaths, up from 2,506 cases and 62 deaths the week before. South Kivu, North Kivu and Haut-Katanga account for nearly 60 per cent of cases, and four new health zones were affected in the latest period.

Key Facts

  • Suspected cases since Jan 2025: 125,000+
  • Deaths since Jan 2025: 3,644
  • 2026 so far: 51,412 cases in 21 provinces
  • Latest week: 2,932 cases, 86 deaths
  • Ebola: 9,066 cases, 4,381 deaths

Ebola outbreak adds to the strain

The Ebola outbreak, caused by the Bundibugyo strain, has recorded 9,066 cases and 4,381 deaths in seven provinces, a fatality rate of 48.3 per cent, according to WHO data. In the east, insecurity blocks medical teams from parts of areas such as Masisi, and long distances to clinics delay treatment. Kenya recently confirmed the death of a patient who had travelled from the DRC via Uganda. WHO has expanded the Ebola treatment centre in Isiro and sent another tonne of medical supplies.

DR Congo cholera response in South Kivu

Response teams are preparing four water chlorination sites in North Kivu, and plans in Tanganyika aim to disinfect nearly 4,000 homes and 5,900 latrines. Reactive vaccination continues in South Kivu’s Mulungu and Shabunda zones, and an oral vaccine campaign is being prepared along the Congo River. The DRC and the Republic of Congo are drawing up a joint cross-border vaccination plan. Cholera can kill within hours if untreated, but quick rehydration saves most patients.

Why It Matters: Two deadly outbreaks at once can overwhelm clinics, and cholera spreads fast where displaced families lack clean water.

Also on TrendDesh: UN pandemic declaration adopted 153-3 as US, Israel, Argentina vote against · Sudan famine risk grows in Darfur and Kordofan as drought deepens war crisis

Source: UN News · WHO Disease Outbreak News

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