Surge in Cholera Cases in Southern Africa Linked to Severe Flooding
Brazzaville, 15 February 2026 — The World Health Organization (WHO) has reported a staggering increase in cholera cases in five Southern African countries, with numbers soaring more than sevenfold compared to the same period last year. This alarming rise is attributed to severe flooding caused by cyclones, damaged infrastructure, and inadequate access to clean water and sanitation among displaced communities.
Between January 1 and February 15, 2026, there have been 4,320 reported cholera cases and 56 deaths in Southern Africa, a significant rise from just 586 cases and 11 deaths during the same timeframe in 2025. This surge stands in stark contrast to the overall declining trend of cholera across the African continent, where reported cases dropped by 47% and fatalities decreased by 59% compared to the previous two years.
Currently, 13 countries across Africa are grappling with cholera outbreaks, but Southern Africa is emerging as the epicenter. Countries like Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Zambia, and Zimbabwe are reporting notable cases. Notably, Mozambique accounts for a staggering 90% of the cholera cases in the region, heavily influenced by recent intense flooding that has impacted over 700,000 people.
The cyclone season in Southern Africa, typically spanning from January to April, has intensified this year, bringing above-average rainfall to already vulnerable areas. Authorities have identified 27 high-risk zones across five countries, where poor water sanitation and hygiene systems further exacerbate the cholera threat.
Dr. Marie Roseline Darnycka Belizaire, the Emergencies Director at the WHO Regional Office for Africa, emphasized the urgent need for action. “The sharp rise in cholera cases in Southern Africa is a clear reminder of how climate-related shocks are intensifying public health risks,” she stated. WHO is collaborating with national governments to provide emergency health support and bolster the resilience of health systems.
Looking ahead, the situation is expected to worsen. From March to August, experts predict an additional 12,000 to 22,000 cholera cases under likely scenarios. Various interconnected factors—including tropical cyclones, flooding, ongoing conflict, population displacement, and inadequate urban water systems—are driving these outbreaks.
In response to the crisis, the WHO and its partners are ramping up efforts, delivering critical health supplies and enhancing disease surveillance. Rapid improvements in public health measures, including cholera vaccinations, disease monitoring, and better sanitation services, are crucial to safeguarding community health and preventing further deterioration.
Cholera remains a grave public health challenge and is often indicative of broader social and economic disparities. Ensuring access to clean water, basic sanitation, and hygiene facilities is imperative in fighting this waterborne disease.
While many affected individuals may experience mild to moderate symptoms treatable with oral rehydration solutions, patients with severe illness require urgent medical intervention, including intravenous fluids and antibiotics. Timeliness in treatment is critical to saving lives.
As Southern Africa wrestles with this public health crisis, the emphasis on infrastructural improvements and health education becomes increasingly urgent. The potential fallout from unchecked cholera outbreaks signifies not only a health emergency but also a call to address the underlying vulnerabilities in the region.
— Reported by Nexio News
