Has the cholera outbreak in Congo reached an acute phase?
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Synopsis
The cholera crisis in the DRC has escalated alarmingly, with Health Minister Roger Kamba revealing shocking statistics and the government's urgent response. This situation demands immediate attention as the infection rate surges and more provinces are affected. What actions are being taken to combat this health emergency?
Key Takeaways
- The cholera outbreak in the DRC has reached an acute phase.
- Over 33,000 cases have been reported since January 2025.
- 17 of 26 provinces are currently affected.
- New treatment centers are being established in Kinshasa.
- The DRC also faces a resurgence of mpox.
Kinshasa, July 11 (NationPress) The cholera outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has entered an acute phase, with the number of infections continuing to escalate, stated Health Minister Roger Kamba. Since the beginning of 2025, more than 33,000 cases with a fatality rate of approximately 2 percent have been documented nationwide, Kamba revealed during a press briefing.
The count of cases for 2025 has already exceeded the total of 31,749 reported in 2024, as per the World Health Organization (WHO).
Currently, up to 17 out of the 26 provinces in the country have been affected, an increase from 14 reported just a day prior, indicating a concerning trend in the rapid spread of this disease.
The capital, Kinshasa, which has a population exceeding 1.7 million, is witnessing approximately 130 new cases each week, with a notable number resulting in fatalities, according to the minister.
In a bid to address this crisis, the government is establishing new treatment facilities in Kinshasa and providing free medical care for confirmed cases.
Additionally, Minister Kamba mentioned that the DRC is also experiencing a resurgence of mpox, labeling the current health scenario a critical crisis.
The cholera outbreak was officially declared on May 5 after laboratory confirmations of cases across various provinces, as reported by Xinhua.
As stated by the WHO, cholera is an acute diarrheal disease caused by ingesting food or water contaminated with the bacterium Vibrio cholerae. This health issue poses a global threat and highlights significant inequities and deficiencies in social and economic development. Access to safe water, basic sanitation, and hygiene is crucial for preventing cholera and other waterborne diseases.
While many cholera patients experience mild to moderate diarrhea and can be treated with oral rehydration solutions (ORS), the disease can escalate quickly. Thus, prompt treatment is essential for saving lives, especially for those with severe symptoms who require intravenous fluids, ORS, and antibiotics.
Robust epidemiological and laboratory surveillance is essential for countries to efficiently identify and manage outbreaks.
Cholera outbreaks frequently occur in certain regions, while in others, they may be rare, with years passing between incidents. The disease is often linked to inadequate access to safe water, sanitation facilities, and poor hygiene practices, exacerbated by factors such as conflict, population displacement, climate events like cyclones, floods, or droughts, and insufficient investment in WASH services and infrastructure.
The number of cholera cases reported to the WHO has been on the rise in recent years. In 2023, there were 535,321 cases and 4,007 deaths reported from 45 countries. The difference between these reports and estimates by researchers may stem from inadequate surveillance systems and unreported cases due to fear of trade and tourism repercussions.
Point of View
I want to emphasize that the Nation stands in solidarity with the DRC during this critical time. The health crisis demands urgent action and support from both local and international communities. Ensuring access to healthcare and resources is vital for overcoming this outbreak.
NationPress
27/10/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is cholera?
Cholera is an acute diarrheal infection caused by ingesting food or water contaminated with the bacterium Vibrio cholerae. It is a significant public health threat, particularly in areas lacking safe water and sanitation.
How is cholera treated?
Most patients with cholera can be treated effectively with oral rehydration solutions (ORS). Severe cases may require intravenous fluids and antibiotics.
What are the symptoms of cholera?
Common symptoms of cholera include severe diarrhea, vomiting, and dehydration. Early treatment is crucial to prevent severe complications.
Why is cholera a recurring issue in some countries?
Cholera outbreaks are often linked to inadequate access to safe water, poor sanitation, and hygiene practices, exacerbated by factors like conflict and climate change.
What measures can be taken to prevent cholera?
Access to safe drinking water, improved sanitation, and hygiene education are essential for preventing cholera outbreaks.
