WHO Reports Worsening Cholera Outbreaks in 31 Countries

The World Health Organization (WHO) has issued a warning about the escalating global cholera crisis, with outbreaks now reported in 31 countries around the world. Despite a slight decrease in the number of cases compared to the same period last year, the total number of deaths has increased significantly, highlighting the severity of the current situation. Between January 1 and August 17, 2025, over 409,000 cases and approximately 4,700 deaths have been officially recorded. The surge in fatalities, which rose by 46%, is a cause for concern, especially since several nations like the Republic of Congo and Chad are experiencing their highest case fatality rates in years, at 7.7% and 6.8% respectively.

The outbreak's expansion is largely driven by conflict and poverty, which make rural and flood-affected regions particularly vulnerable. Cholera, an acute intestinal infection caused by contaminated food and water, can be deadly within hours if left untreated. However, simple measures such as oral rehydration therapy and antibiotics for severe cases can be lifesaving. The current spread of cholera is a result of increased cases and geographical expansion since 2021, underlining the need for urgent public health interventions.

The WHO emphasized that the interconnected nature of these outbreaks and their scale increase the risk of further dissemination within and between countries. The situation demands heightened awareness and response efforts to curb the disease's spread and reduce mortality rates.

Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-08-cholera-outbreaks-worsening-countries.html