Cholera: global overview of outbreaks
Cholera outbreaks have been reported again worldwide. More than 70,000 cholera infections have been recorded up to 19 April 2026. More than 850 people have died from cholera.
The outbreaks have been reported in Afghanistan, Angola, Burundi, Congo, Ethiopia, Yemen, Haiti, India, Malawi, Mozambique, Myanmar, Namibia, Nigeria, Pakistan, Rwanda, Somalia, Sudan, Tanzania, Zambia, Zimbabwe and South Sudan.
The countries with the highest number of reported cholera infections at the moment are:
What does this mean for travellers?
For most travellers, the risk of cholera is low. Cholera spreads mainly through contaminated water or food and is more common in areas with poor sanitary conditions or limited access to clean drinking water.
Vaccination against cholera is usually only recommended for travellers staying in high-risk conditions, e.g. people going to work in refugee camps where boiled or clean drinking water is not available.
How can you prevent cholera?
The most important measure is to avoid contaminated water and food. Only drink water that you are sure is safe, for example boiled water or water from a sealed bottle. Also be careful with ice cubes, raw produce and food that has not been heated properly.
In 2025, cholera was diagnosed in travellers to Ethiopia after contact with water from a holy spring. Therefore, do not drink water from freshwater springs, even when offered as holy water.
Are you travelling to an area where cholera is prevalent?
Will you soon be travelling to a country where cholera is prevalent or staying in less hygienic conditions? Then get proper advice beforehand. At Vaccinatiepunt, we check which vaccinations and precautions are needed for your trip.
Easily make an appointment for personalised travel advice at Vaccination Point.
