KINSHASA, Democratic Republic of the Congo — As of the 13th epidemiological week in 2026, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has reported a surge in cholera cases, with 1324 confirmed and 64 associated deaths. This represents a fatality rate of 4. 8%, marking a significant increase from the previous week’s rate of 2.
5%. The outbreak has spread across 109 out of 519 health zones in 16 of the country’s 26 districts.
In the latest development, South Ubangi district reported its first suspected cases of the year. The past four weeks have seen the majority of cases, 63. 2%, concentrated in Kinshasa (16.
8%), South Kivu (16. 1%), Nord Kivu (12. 7%), Equateur (9%), and Haut Katanga (8.
6%). The Equateur district experienced a resurgence with two new health zones affected, while the Kongo Central district in South Ubangi saw a severe outbreak in the same week.
Additionally, the results of the Toxigenic Diarrhea (TDR) tests for the week were all negative, contrasting with the previous 78.9% positivity rate recorded from the 1st to the 13th week of 2026. Paragraph: The ongoing cholera outbreak in the DRC underscores the need for immediate and effective intervention to control the spread and mitigate the loss of life. Health authorities and international partners are working to address the situation, but the rising case count highlights the challenges faced in reaching all affected areas and providing timely care.
Source: reliefweb
Original author: World Health Organization
