Rachel V Thomas

Cholera Deaths Hit Highest Level Since 1999: 7 Countries Drive 90% Of Global Toll In 2025

<span>Cholera</span> deaths increased by 30% in 2025, reaching their highest level since 1999, according to a new report by the <span>World Health Organization</span> (WHO).

In 2025, 47 countries reported 451,499 cholera cases and 7,870 deaths to WHO. The actual global burden is likely substantially higher, as many cases go unreported.

“The rise in cholera deaths is a reminder of the challenge ahead,” said Dr Chikwe Ihekweazu, Executive Director of WHO's Health Emergencies Program.

“No one should be dying from cholera today when we have the tools to prevent and treat this disease,” he added.

<h2>7 Countries Account For 90% Of Global Cholera Toll</h2>

Seven countries accounted for around 90% of reported cholera cases and deaths globally in 2025:

<ul><li>Angola</li><li>Bangladesh</li><li>The Democratic Republic of the Congo</li><li>Nigeria</li><li>South Sudan</li><li>Sudan</li><li>Yemen</li></ul>

The WHO African Region recorded the largest burden, with cases rising 34% and deaths 58% from 2024.

Further, the WHO stated that more than one in five reported cholera deaths occurred outside health facilities, showing that many patients are still not reaching care in time.

Among patients treated in health facilities, the global fatality rate remained below 1%, the threshold for adequate care. However, it exceeded 1% in 12 countries.

The WHO called for targeted investments in safe water, sanitation and hygiene, along with stronger surveillance, vaccination and access to quality care, to reverse the trend.

The WHO report also covered bacterial <span>meningitis</span> and plague.

<h2>Vaccination Behind Declining Bacterial Meningitis Cases  </h2>

The African meningitis belt, stretching from Senegal to Ethiopia, continues to face a substantial burden. In 2025, 24 of 26 countries reported 21,526 suspected cases and 971 deaths, a fatality rate of 4.5%.

However, among countries reporting data for both years, cases declined 5.9% from the previous year.

Since the meningococcal A conjugate vaccine was introduced in 2010, serogroup A cases have fallen by more than 99% among vaccinated populations. 

In 2025, Niger became the first country to conduct a nationwide campaign with the broader Men5CV/MMCV vaccine.

<h2><span rel="noindex">Plague Cases Reported</span> In 10 Countries</h2>

Between 2019 and 2025, 10 countries reported suspected human plague cases to WHO, with six reporting confirmed cases.

A total of 3,847 suspected cases and 423 deaths were reported, giving a case fatality rate of 11%.

Most cases came from the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Madagascar, where plague remains endemic in some areas.

Cholera is an acute diarrheal disease caused by <em><span rel="noindex">Vibrio cholerae</span></em> bacteria and spreads through food or water contaminated with feces.

It is preventable and treatable but can be fatal when severe dehydration is not treated quickly. Global production of oral cholera vaccines more than doubled from around 30 million doses in 2022 to approximately 80 million in 2025.

Meningitis is inflammation of the tissues surrounding the brain and spinal cord. Bacterial meningitis is the most serious type and can be life-threatening.

Plague is a bacterial disease that usually spreads among animals through fleas but can also infect humans. Surveillance of rodents and other animal populations and rapid outbreak response remain important for preventing transmission.

Health Conditions A-Z

health

cholera-deaths-hit-highest-level-since-1999-7-countries-drive-90-of-global-toll-in-2025

cholera

world health organization

plague cases reported

Meningitis

vibrio cholerae

10-times-stronger-than-fentanyl-officials-say-this-opioid-has-now-been-detected-across-every-region-of-the-us

10 Times Stronger Than Fentanyl: Officials Say This Opioid Has Now Been Detected Across Every Region Of The US

new-triple-action-weight-loss-drug-helps-diabetics-lose-21-body-weight-what-the-lancet-study-found

21% In 80 Weeks: Lancet Study Finds Lilly’s Retatrutide Delivers One Of The Biggest Weight Losses Ever

Health News

8 Sit-Up Variations to Strengthen Your Core and Build Stability

Benefits Of Ayurvedic Health Supplement Ashwagandha

9 Anti-Inflammatory Breakfast Options You Should Try

5 Foods You Should Avoid For PCOS, Says Gynecologist

Love Sitting With Your Legs Crossed? Here’s You Should Avoid It

6 Daily Foods That Are Secretly Increasing Your Calories

9 Brain Boosters You Should Do Everyday

Hip Exercises That Will Keep You Flexible As You Age

9 Leg Exercises Office Workers’ Should Do At Home

Benefits of Having Herbal Tea Every Morning

9 Daily Habits That Boost Your Brain Power

Lower-Body Exercises That Are Game-Changers

How Drinking Apple Cider Vinegar Helps You

Aging Myths You Should Never Believe

Superfoods That Support Your Gut Health

What Happens To Your Body When You Eat Instant Noodles Every Day?

Health Issues Premature Babies Often Face

Exercises Office Workers Should Do For Their Heart Health

Reasons Why You Should Add Raw Turmeric To Your Diet

Benefits Of Drinking Milk At Night: Why You Should Do It

Food That Provides Vitamin B12 Naturally In Your Diet

Surprising Health Benefits Of Fenugreek Seeds

9 Superfoods You Should Eat For Your Brain Health

What Does Mental Health Support Look Like At Work?

Long Stretches You Should Do To Unwind From Your Day

Colon Cancer In Young Adults: Early Symptoms You Should Know

Health Benefits Of Eating Dry Fruits Everyday

Are You At Risk For Fried Rice Syndrome?

These Tests Reveal How Well You Are Aging

Lower-Back Exercises You Should Do After A Long-Day's Work

Children’s Diet – What Kids Need To Eat For Immunity Building

Common Diabetes Myths That Could Hurt Your Health

Love Spicy Food? Here’s How It Affects Your Health

Superfood List: Veggies And Fruits You Must Have For Immunity

Foods People With IBS Should Avoid

Exercises To Improve Digestion

Easy Work Lunches You Can Make In The Morning

Hunger Vs Craving: Difference Explained In 60 seconds

These Things Can Cause Your Heart To Age Faster

High Carb Foods That Are Actually Healthy

Cholera deaths increased by 30% in 2025, reaching their highest level since 1999, according to a new report by the World Health Organization (WHO).In 2025, 47 countries reported 451,499 cholera cases and 7,870 deaths to WHO. The actual global burden is likely substantially higher, as many cases go unreported.“The rise in cholera deaths is a reminder of the challenge ahead,” said Dr Chikwe Ihekweazu, Executive Director of WHO's Health Emergencies Program.“No one should be dying from cholera today when we have the tools to prevent and treat this disease,” he added.7 Countries Account For 90% Of Global Cholera TollSeven countries accounted for around 90% of reported cholera cases and deaths globally in 2025:AngolaBangladeshThe Democratic Republic of the CongoNigeriaSouth SudanSudanYemenThe WHO African Region recorded the largest burden, with cases rising 34% and deaths 58% from 2024.Further, the WHO stated that more than one in five reported cholera deaths occurred outside health facilities, showing that many patients are still not reaching care in time.Among patients treated in health facilities, the global fatality rate remained below 1%, the threshold for adequate care. However, it exceeded 1% in 12 countries.The WHO called for targeted investments in safe water, sanitation and hygiene, along with stronger surveillance, vaccination and access to quality care, to reverse the trend.The WHO report also covered bacterial meningitis and plague.Vaccination Behind Declining Bacterial Meningitis Cases  The African meningitis belt, stretching from Senegal to Ethiopia, continues to face a substantial burden. In 2025, 24 of 26 countries reported 21,526 suspected cases and 971 deaths, a fatality rate of 4.5%.However, among countries reporting data for both years, cases declined 5.9% from the previous year.Since the meningococcal A conjugate vaccine was introduced in 2010, serogroup A cases have fallen by more than 99% among vaccinated populations. In 2025, Niger became the first country to conduct a nationwide campaign with the broader Men5CV/MMCV vaccine.Plague Cases Reported In 10 CountriesBetween 2019 and 2025, 10 countries reported suspected human plague cases to WHO, with six reporting confirmed cases.A total of 3,847 suspected cases and 423 deaths were reported, giving a case fatality rate of 11%.Most cases came from the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Madagascar, where plague remains endemic in some areas.What Is Cholera?Cholera is an acute diarrheal disease caused by Vibrio cholerae bacteria and spreads through food or water contaminated with feces.It is preventable and treatable but can be fatal when severe dehydration is not treated quickly. Global production of oral cholera vaccines more than doubled from around 30 million doses in 2022 to approximately 80 million in 2025.What Is Meningitis?Meningitis is inflammation of the tissues surrounding the brain and spinal cord. Bacterial meningitis is the most serious type and can be life-threatening.What Is Plague?Plague is a bacterial disease that usually spreads among animals through fleas but can also infect humans. Surveillance of rodents and other animal populations and rapid outbreak response remain important for preventing transmission.

cholera deaths hit highest level since 1999: 7 countries drive 90% of global toll in 2025

About Us

Contact Us

Terms & Conditions

Privacy Policy

Company

Health and Me is a premium website with content written and curated to function as a handbook for all Health concerns.

Cholera Deaths Hit Highest Level Since 1999: 7 Countries Drive 90% Of Global Toll In 2025

10 Times Stronger Than Fentanyl: Officials Say This Opioid Has Now Been Detected Across Every Region Of The US

Good Morning America's Will Reeve Says He Dismissed Testicular Cancer Initially: What Are The Early Signs

US To Face Nearly 28,000-Surgeon Shortfall By 2038: What Could This Mean For Patients?

Health Conditions A-Z

Cholera Deaths Hit Highest Level Since 1999: 7 Countries Drive 90% Of Global Toll In 2025

10 Times Stronger Than Fentanyl: Officials Say This Opioid Has Now Been Detected Across Every Region Of The US

21% In 80 Weeks: Lancet Study Finds Lilly’s Retatrutide Delivers One Of The Biggest Weight Losses Ever