Cholera deaths globally increased by 30% in 2025, marking the highest number of annual cholera deaths reported to the World Health Organization (WHO) since 1999. In 2025, 47 countries reported 451,499 cholera cases and 7,870 deaths to the WHO. This data reflects reported figures, with the actual global burden estimated to be substantially higher.
Seven countries, including Angola, Bangladesh, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Nigeria, South Sudan, Sudan, and Yemen, accounted for approximately 90% of all reported cholera cases and deaths. The WHO African Region saw a 34% increase in cases and a 58% increase in deaths compared to 2024. The disease spreads through contaminated food and water, particularly in areas lacking safe water and sanitation. While preventable and treatable, severe dehydration can be fatal. More than one in five reported deaths occurred outside health facilities, indicating delayed care for many patients.
Source: Down To Earth