Cholera
9 Active OutbreaksCholera is an acute diarrheal disease caused by contaminated water or food. It can kill within hours if untreated but is easily treatable with immediate rehydration. While rare in developed countries, cholera remains a major threat in areas with poor sanitation.
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What is Cholera?
Cholera has caused seven pandemics since 1817, with the current pandemic beginning in 1961. The disease causes profuse watery diarrhea ('rice-water stool') and vomiting, leading to severe dehydration and death within hours if untreated. An estimated 2.9 million cases and 95,000 deaths occur annually worldwide. Simple oral rehydration solution (ORS) has a 99%+ success rate, making cholera one of the most preventable deaths.
Symptoms
- Profuse watery diarrhea ('rice-water stool')
- Vomiting
- Rapid dehydration symptoms: extreme thirst, dry mucous membranes, sunken eyes
- Muscle cramps (from electrolyte loss)
- Low blood pressure and rapid heart rate
- Shock and organ failure (if untreated)
- Most cases are mild; 10-20% develop severe disease
Transmission
Fecal-oral route through contaminated water or food. Common sources: untreated water, raw/undercooked shellfish, produce washed with contaminated water. Person-to-person spread uncommon.
Contagious Period: While bacteria are in stool (typically 7-14 days after recovery); requires contaminated water/food to spread
Prevention
- Drink only safe water (boiled, bottled, or treated with chlorine/iodine)
- Eat only thoroughly cooked food served hot
- Avoid raw/undercooked seafood and shellfish
- Peel fruits and vegetables yourself
- Wash hands with soap and safe water before eating and after bathroom
- Oral cholera vaccine for high-risk travel or outbreak response
- Proper sanitation and sewage treatment (community-level)
- WASH programs (Water, Sanitation, Hygiene) in at-risk areas
- Avoid ice unless made from safe water
Live Cholera Global Case Map
9 countries with reported activity. Updated from real-time surveillance data.
Active Outbreaks & Recent Cases
Real-time intelligence from global health monitoring and AI-powered surveillance
Data sources: BEACON, ProMED, WHO, CDC, and 50+ national health agencies
✓ Live data updated in real-time from global health sources
Nigeria Cholera Outbreak: Thousands Sick, Dozens Dead
This event envelope contains reports on cholera outbreaks in Nigeria.
Source: BEACON - View Full Report
Yemen Cholera Outbreak: Over 3000 Cases Reported in Quarter
This event envelope contains reports on cholera in Yemen.
Source: BEACON - View Full Report
Cholera Kills Five in Congo Prison Outbreak
The Democratic Republic of the Congo has been experiencing its worst cholera outbreak in 25 years. A total of 1348 cases and 26 deaths were reported in the first week of 2026, representing a 63% increase over the same period in 2025 and a geographic expansion from eight to 12 provinces.
Source: BEACON - View Full Report
Cholera Outbreak Hits Burundi Linked to Sanitation Issues
Burundi has been experiencing a protracted cholera epidemic since late 2022, with thousands of cases reported nationally through 2025, concentrated in northwestern districts and urban areas such as Bujumbura and Nyanza-Lac. Recurrent surges are driven by limited access to safe water and sanitation, and the influx of displaced populations continues to strain local health services, requiring ongoing support from national authorities and partners such as MSF and UNICEF.
Source: BEACON - View Full Report
Cholera Case Detected in Cayman Islands, No Spread
This event envelope contains reports on cholera in the Cayman Islands.
Source: BEACON - View Full Report
Mozambique Cholera Outbreak Surpasses 4600 Cases 62 Dead
Mozambique is experiencing a surge in cholera cases due to severe flooding since December 2025, which has led to mass displacement.
Source: BEACON - View Full Report
Cholera, Taiwan
Taiwan confirmed its first locally acquired cholera case since 2023, involving a woman in her 70s in southern Taiwan with no travel history. The patient developed severe gastrointestinal and neurological symptoms in early June and has since recovered following hospitalization. Laboratory testing identified toxigenic Vibrio cholerae O1 (Hikojima serotype). The source remains under investigation.
Source: BEACON - View Full Report
Cholera, Central African Republic
In June 2026, the Central African Republic (CAR) declared its fifth cholera outbreak in Bimbo and M'baiki districts southwest of Bangui.
Source: BEACON - View Full Report
Cholera Kills Hundreds in Sudan Detention Centers Amid Conflict
This event envelope contains reports on cholera in Sudan.
Source: BEACON - View Full Report
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Expert Resources & References
Trusted information from leading health organizations
CDC
Official guidance from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
View CDC Resources →WHO
Global disease surveillance and guidelines from the World Health Organization
View WHO Resources →Medically Reviewed Content
Disease information on Virus Watcher is reviewed by our Chief Epidemiologist, a former CDC lead analyst for FluSight forecasting. Outbreak data is aggregated from verified sources including BEACON, ProMED, WHO, CDC, and 50+ national health agencies. This information is for educational purposes and should not replace professional medical advice.
Last reviewed: 2026-07-18
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Cholera answered by our epidemiology team
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