Central African Republic declares cholera outbreak following 24 deaths

The Central African Republic has declared a cholera outbreak after confirming 24 deaths and 197 cases near its capital, Bangui, as reported by the health minister.

“The Ministry of Health… has today, June 26, 2026, confirmed a cholera outbreak in the health districts of Bimbo and Mbaiki, southwest of Bangui,” said Pierre Somse late Friday.

He added that measures to limit the spread have already been implemented in the affected areas and additional measures are being deployed in nearby towns.

Cholera is a waterborne disease that spreads through contaminated food or drinking water, potentially causing severe diarrhoea and dehydration.

Although largely eliminated in wealthier nations, cholera remains a risk in poorer regions with limited access to clean water. Authorities are investigating the source of the outbreak, which is the fifth recorded in the country.

The previous outbreak in 2016 infected more than 500 people and claimed 23 lives. “The government remains fully mobilised to contain this outbreak,” the minister said, urging the public to follow health advice and preventive measures.

The Central African Republic is also on alert for a deadly Ebola outbreak in the neighbouring Democratic Republic of Congo.

AFP