Cholera raging in Sudan, Outbreak occurs amid complex humanitarian crisis
The cholera outbreak in Sudan that started last July has grown dramatically in the past six months.
According to the Ministry of Health, a cumulative total of 51,345 cases (69 confirmed, 51,290 suspected) have been reported from 12 states through mid-January 2025.
In addition, 1359 deaths have been recorded (2.6% case fatality) have been recorded.
Africa CDC says the cholera outbreak in Sudan is occurring amid a complex humanitarian crisis- ongoing conflict, continuous displacement, and a fragile health system.
UNICEF reports the war that broke out in April 2023 has devastated essential systems. Sudan’s health infrastructure is on the verge of collapse, with immunization services that once protected children and families from life threatening diseases greatly interrupted. Millions of displaced people now live in overcrowded camps, schools, and temporary shelters in the few relatively stable states. Meanwhile, access to clean water and sanitation facilities remains a significant challenge.
In many communities hosting displaced families, water supplies are strained, while in conflict hotspots, essential water and sanitation infrastructure has been destroyed. These unsanitary conditions increase the risks of hygiene-related illnesses, such as cholera.
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Cholera is an intestinal infection that can kill within hours if untreated, with children under five in conflict-affected areas being particularly vulnerable.
Caused by bacteria found in unsafe or contaminated water and food, cholera is most common in communities with limited access to clean and safe water, sanitation facilities, and good hygiene practices.
Symptoms of cholera include acute profuse, painless watery diarrhea (rice water stools) of sudden onset, with or without vomiting. It may be associated with nausea, profuse vomiting and fever. Severe cases can lead to death within hours due to dehydration (massive body fluid loss). However, most infected people (about 80%) may only show mild symptoms or have no symptoms at all.
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The disease is easily treatable if detected early. Most infected people can be treated successfully through prompt administration of oral rehydration solution (ORS), to replace lost fluids and electrolytes, and appropriate antibiotics. Cholera can be deadly when infected people do not access care immediately.