DRC: 449 suspected cases of cholera, 13 deaths in one week in South Kivu

The Provincial Health Division in South Kivu (DPS) reported 449 suspected cases of cholera, including 13 deaths, during the 33rd epidemiological week or late August and early September 2026.

Of the 34 health zones in the province of South Kivu, 17 reported at least 1 suspected case during that week.

The most affected areas are Kimbi-Lulenge, Bunyakiri, Shabunda, Mulungu and Ibanda in the city of Bukavu, according to the Provincial Health Division in South Kivu.

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Of the deaths, 9 occurred while patients were receiving care and 4 others were recorded in the communities.

The cumulative number of cholera cases in South Kivu exceeds 11,100, including 195 deaths since the beginning of 2026.

Cholera: A significant global health concern

The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is facing its worst cholera crisis in 25 years, driven by conflict displacement, poor sanitation, and limited clean water.

Eastern provinces like North Kivu and South Kivu remain heavily impacted, alongside outbreaks in non-endemic western zones and major prisons.

In 2025, the Democratic Republic of the Congo reported 61,171 cases of cholera (1,815 deaths with a case fatality rate of 3%.

From the beginning of 2026 through August 16, DRC has seen 33,182 cases and 943 deaths, according to the Africa CDC.

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