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The cholera outbreak in the WHO African Region has affected 18 countries over the last two years. Six countries are categorized as being in acute crisis (Comoros, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ethiopia, Mozambique, Zambia, and Zimbabwe), though there has been sustained decrease in weekly case incidence in Zambia and Zimbabwe. The southern region of the continent, now in the rainy season, is experiencing resurging outbreaks. The increase in rainfall levels is causing floods and landslides in communities. This raises the risk of outbreaks in countries that have not reported new confirmed cases. The seasonality of cholera outbreaks is an issue for countries to consider. They need to improve preparedness and readiness, heighten surveillance, and scale up preventive and control measures in communities and around border crossings. This will prevent outbreaks, engender early response and reduce cross-border transmission.

In Epidemiologic week 12 of 2024, seven countries - Burundi, Comoros, Malawi, Mozambique, United Republic of Tanzania, Zambia, and Zimbabwe - reported a total of 2 043 new cases. Transmission is currently active in 13 countries. In 2024, Comoros confirmed an outbreak linked to cross border transmission.  

Since the beginning of the year 2024, the number of cholera cases and deaths reported to the WHO Regional Office for Africa (AFRO) as of 24 March was 59 444 and 1 211 deaths, respectively, with a case fatality ratio of 2.0%. The Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ethiopia, Mozambique, Zambia, and Zimbabwe account for 94.7% (56 289) of the total cases and 95.8% (1 160) of total deaths this year.

As of 24 March 2024, a cumulative total of 345 876 cholera cases, including 6 320 deaths (CFR: 1.8%), have been reported since 1 January 2022. The Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ethiopia, Malawi, Mozambique, and Zimbabwe accounts for 73.6% (254 737) of the cumulative cases and 64.1% (4 048) of all cumulative deaths reported.