Cholera Outbreak Escalates in Burundi Amid Africa CDC Alarm

Africa CDC Raises Alarm Over Cholera Resurgence

The Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) has issued a significant alert regarding the escalating cholera outbreak in Burundi, noting a rapid transmission and resurgence of the disease after a period of decline. This alarm was raised on November 7, 2025, highlighting Burundi and Angola as countries experiencing particularly severe situations.

Yap Boum II, deputy incident manager for mpox at the Africa CDC, stated on October 31, 2025, that there is an 'escalation of cholera in Burundi,' attributing the severity to factors such as poor sanitation and inadequate access to clean water.

Current Spread and Impact in 2025

The cholera epidemic in Burundi has intensified throughout 2025, particularly in the northwestern regions. As of September 2025, the country remains in a humanitarian crisis, with ongoing cholera outbreaks contributing to the challenging situation.

Key figures and affected areas include:

• A cumulative total of 1,213 cases and 6 deaths were reported as of September 24, 2025, with 120 active cases.
• In week 38 of 2025 (late September), 178 new cases of cholera were recorded.
• By September 18, 2025, 226 cases were registered in the districts of Cibitoke and Bukinanyana, located in Burundi's Bujumbura province.
• The Rugombo treatment center in Cibitoke experienced a rapid surge, admitting nearly 200 patients in the first two weeks of September, with 15-20 new admissions daily. Most cases originated from the Mparambo I neighborhood in Rugombo commune, as well as areas like Kaburantwa and Mugina.
• Cases are distributed across multiple health districts, including Nord (436), Cibitoke (419), Isare (202), Makamba (48), Sud (38), Center (30), Mpanda (22), Kabezi (16), and Rwibaga (2).

Contributing Factors to the Outbreak

The rapid spread of cholera in Burundi is largely driven by critical deficiencies in public health infrastructure and environmental challenges. Poor sanitation systems and a severe shortage of clean drinking water are consistently cited as primary factors exacerbating the crisis.

Furthermore, the Africa CDC has highlighted the role of climate change, including increased flooding and other climate-related shocks, in heightening exposure to the disease. These environmental factors often contaminate water sources, making safe drinking water scarce and facilitating the transmission of the bacterial infection.

Response Efforts and International Support

In response to the escalating crisis, both national and international bodies are mobilizing efforts. Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) is actively collaborating with the Burundian Ministry of Public Health to bolster healthcare services in affected areas. MSF has expanded the capacity of the Rugombo treatment center from 13 to 42 beds and is undertaking further expansion to manage the growing influx of patients. Their support also includes supplying essential medicines and deploying medical staff, including doctors, nurses, health promoters, and hygienists.

The Africa CDC has underscored the urgent need for multisectoral interventions, particularly in water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH), to curb the spread of the disease. In March 2025, the Burundian Ministry of Health, in collaboration with the Africa CDC, organized a three-day training program for 200 Community Health Workers to strengthen the country's outbreak response capabilities.