The Central African Republic has declared a cholera outbreak in several regions following the registration of 24 deaths and 197 cases linked to the disease, according to Health Minister Pierre Somsé.
The minister announced on Friday, June 26, 2026, that cholera has been confirmed in the health districts of Bimbo and Mbaïki, southwest of the capital Bangui. He noted that authorities have begun implementing measures to curb the spread of the outbreak in affected areas and neighboring cities.
Somsé stated that investigations are ongoing to determine the source of the outbreak, marking the fifth occurrence of its kind in the country. He emphasized that the government is "fully mobilized" to contain the outbreak and urged residents to adhere to health guidelines and preventive measures.
Cholera is transmitted through water and food contaminated with bacteria, potentially leading to dehydration and severe diarrhea. It remains a threat in regions with limited access to clean water and healthcare.
This cholera outbreak arises as the Central African Republic increases its alert level due to an Ebola outbreak in neighboring Democratic Republic of the Congo.