Cholera Kills Over 3,000 Globally in 2026 – WHO

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has reported 3,018 cholera-related deaths worldwide between January 1 and September 27, 2026, with 308,956 cases recorded across 28 countries.

The figures, contained in the organisation’s latest epidemiological update, cover cholera and acute watery diarrhoea cases reported across four WHO regions.

The African Region recorded the highest burden, with 169,880 cases and 2,671 deaths during the period. The Eastern Mediterranean Region followed with 137,982 cases and 345 deaths, while the Americas recorded 760 cases and two deaths.

Nigeria accounted for 72,374 cases and 467 deaths, making it one of the countries most affected by the outbreak.

The Democratic Republic of the Congo recorded 54,009 cases and 1,564 deaths, while South Sudan reported 14,909 cases.

In September alone, 32,582 new cases were reported across 19 countries, representing a 24 per cent decline from the previous month. However, 379 deaths were recorded during the month, an increase of two per cent compared with August.

The African Region accounted for 14,749 cases and 346 deaths in September, with the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Nigeria and Cameroon reporting the highest number of infections.

In Nigeria, 3,111 new cases and 28 deaths were recorded during the month, representing a 71 per cent reduction in cases and a 55 per cent decline in deaths compared with the previous month.

Borno State remained the country's major hotspot, accounting for 96 per cent of reported national cases, with Monguno, Damboa and Konduga among the most affected local government areas.

The WHO cautioned that the figures could be affected by underreporting, delays in reporting and differences in national surveillance systems.

Cholera is an acute diarrhoeal infection caused by consuming food or water contaminated with the bacterium Vibrio cholerae. It can cause severe dehydration and become fatal if treatment is delayed.

The organisation has continued to emphasise the importance of access to safe drinking water, proper sanitation, hygiene, vaccination and timely medical care in preventing and controlling outbreaks.