Addis Ababa: More than 4,200 people have died across Africa this year due to ongoing outbreaks of cholera and monkeypox, the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) announced this week.
In an online media briefing, Yap Boum II, Deputy Incident Manager for monkeypox at the Africa CDC, said the two diseases have emerged as the continent’s most serious health threats in 2025, with cholera and monkeypox together responsible for 4,275 deaths since January.
According to the Africa CDC, 21 African countries have reported a total of 176,136 suspected cholera cases, resulting in 3,697 deaths. Inadequate access to clean and safe water has been identified as the main factor driving the recurring cholera outbreaks. The situation is being worsened by strained health systems across the continent, which continue to face multiple public health emergencies.
Mpox cases are also on the rise. So far in 2025, 23 countries have recorded 79,024 mpox cases, with 578 related deaths. The Africa CDC declared the mpox outbreak a public health emergency of continental security in August 2024. Shortly after, the World Health Organization (WHO) categorized the viral disease as a public health emergency of international concern.
Cholera, a highly infectious diarrheal illness, is caused by the ingestion of food or water contaminated with the Vibrio cholerae bacterium. “It is a global public health threat and indicates inequity and lack of social and economic development,” the WHO said in a statement. “Access to safe water, basic sanitation and hygiene is essential to prevent cholera and other waterborne diseases.”
Most cholera cases can be treated with oral rehydration solution (ORS), but the disease can quickly become life-threatening without timely medical care. Severe cases require intravenous fluids and antibiotics.
Mpox, formerly known as monkeypox, is a viral disease that causes fever, rash, and swollen lymph nodes. It spreads through close contact with infected individuals or animals.
Health authorities are urging increased efforts to improve access to clean water and healthcare services, especially in vulnerable communities, to contain the spread of both diseases.
(With inputs from IANS)