Africa is grappling with its worst cholera outbreak in a quarter-century, with the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) reporting alarming numbers of infections and deaths across the continent. This unprecedented outbreak has placed significant strain on health systems in several countries, particularly in Angola, Burundi, and Sudan.

Cholera Cases Surge Across Africa

According to the Africa CDC, approximately 300,000 confirmed and suspected cholera cases have been reported in 2025, resulting in over 7,000 deaths. This marks a 30% increase from last year, which saw 254,075 reported cases.

Africa CDC Director General, Jean Kaseya, emphasized the severity of the outbreak, stating, “Cholera is still a major issue. Every year, the number of cases continues to rise.” He highlighted that Angola and Burundi are experiencing significant surges, indicating active transmission of the disease.

• Angola: 33,563 cases and 866 deaths in 2025
• Burundi: 2,380 cases and 10 deaths in 2025

Understanding Cholera: Causes, Symptoms, and Risks

Cholera is a bacterial infection primarily caused by consuming contaminated water or food. It can also enter the body through contact with contaminated water via open wounds. Raw shellfish consumption is another potential source of infection.

Symptoms of cholera include:

• Severe diarrhea
• Rapid dehydration
• Vomiting
• Shock in severe cases

Without timely treatment, cholera can be fatal within hours, even in previously healthy individuals. Importantly, cholera is not spread through casual person-to-person contact, making contaminated water the primary risk factor.

Root Causes of the Outbreak

The Africa CDC attributes the outbreak to poor access to clean water, sanitation challenges, and conflicts across the continent. Kaseya stressed, “Without water, we cannot control the outbreak.”

Overcrowding in refugee camps, ongoing conflicts, and the displacement of populations exacerbate the crisis. In addition, the shortage of hygiene and sanitation supplies has contributed to the rapid spread of the disease.

Cholera Crisis in Sudan: War and Flooding Worsen Outbreak

Sudan has emerged as one of the hardest-hit countries. The Darfur region reported at least 40 deaths from cholera as of August 2025, with refugee camps particularly affected.

The medical charity Doctors Without Borders (MSF) described the outbreak as Sudan’s worst in years, highlighting that damaged infrastructure from the ongoing war—including sewage and water treatment facilities—has made the situation worse.

• Sudan Total Cases 2025: 71,728
• Sudan Total Deaths 2025: 2,012

Historically, Sudan has faced multiple cholera outbreaks, including one in 2017 that claimed 700 lives and infected 22,000 people in just two months. Experts suggest that recent floods, mixing sewage with water supplies, triggered the current outbreak.

Preventive Measures and Recommendations

Health officials urge governments and humanitarian organizations to focus on:

• Improving access to safe drinking water
• Enhancing sanitation facilities
• Providing cholera vaccines in high-risk areas
• Educating communities on hygiene practices

The Urgent Need for Action

As Africa battles this unprecedented cholera outbreak, experts stress the importance of addressing both immediate medical needs and long-term infrastructure challenges. Failure to act promptly could result in continued spread and higher mortality rates across vulnerable populations.