Cholera cases surge in DRC amid ongoing Ebola outbreak
Cholera cases in DRC rise to over 125,000, while an Ebola outbreak strains health services, according to WHO data.
Key facts
- More than 125,000 suspected cholera cases reported in DRC from January 2025 to September 2026.
- South Kivu, North Kivu, and Haut-Katanga provinces account for nearly 60% of suspected cases.
- Ebola outbreak in DRC recorded 9,066 cases and 4,381 deaths, with a 48.3% case fatality rate.
- WHO is installing four water chlorination sites and disinfecting nearly 4,000 households and 5,900 latrines.
- Security restrictions in Kibua and Masisi limit medical teams’ access to affected villages.
According to WHO, the cholera epidemic continues to spread in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Between January 2025 and September 2026, more than 125,000 suspected cases and 3,644 suspected deaths were recorded. The provinces of South Kivu, North Kivu, and Haut-Katanga account for nearly 60% of the cases. Four new health zones were affected, including three in Tshuapa province and one in South Kivu.
Response operations face security and logistical challenges. In the east, insecurity restricts medical teams’ access to Kibua and Masisi. The remoteness of villages delays treatment and increases the risk of death. Environmental conditions, such as well water use and rainfall, promote transmission.
WHO is preparing four water chlorination sites in North Kivu and Tanganyika. The plan also includes disinfecting nearly 4,000 households and 5,900 latrines. Oral vaccination campaigns are continuing in islands along the Congo River corridor. DRC and the Republic of Congo are developing a joint cross-border vaccination plan.
The cholera surge occurs while DRC faces an Ebola epidemic that strains health capacity. WHO data report 9,066 Ebola cases and 4,381 deaths across seven provinces and 65 health zones. The case fatality rate is 48.3%, with 2,389 recoveries. WHO delivered an additional tonne of medical supplies to support the response.
The Ebola outbreak is caused by the Bundibugyo strain of the virus. Uganda declared Ebola-free after 20 cases and two deaths. Kenya confirmed the death of a Kenyan national infected after traveling from DRC via Uganda, marking the first imported case.
Context
Cholera spreads when people drink contaminated water. In DRC, many villages rely on well water, and heavy rains can spread the bacteria.
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