Angola: Update on the cholera outbreak

According to the WHO African Region Weekly Bulletin on Outbreaks and Other Emergencies (Week 06: 03 – 09 February 2025), the cholera outbreak in Angola, declared by the Ministry of Health on 7 January 2025, continues to escalate, with a significant rise in new cases and fatalities. In epidemiological week 6 (February 3–9, 2025), 1,118 new cases and 32 deaths were reported, reflecting a 42% increase in cases and a 39% rise in deaths compared to the previous week. As of 9 February 2025, a total of 3,043 cases and 101 deaths (CFR 3.3%) had been recorded across 10 provinces, with the highest burden in Luanda (1,501 cases, 46 deaths), Bengo (1,119 cases, 41 deaths), and Icolo e Bengo (390 cases, 12 deaths). Males account for 56.0% of cases and 73.3% of deaths, while individuals under 20 years comprise 50.4% of cases and 40.6% of deaths. The case fatality ratio is at its zenith among individuals aged 50 years and above, with a figure of 8.8%. Community deaths represent 35.0% of total fatalities, highlighting delays in seeking medical care. The outbreak originated in Cacuaco Municipality, a densely populated area in Luanda, before spreading to other provinces, with recent surges in Dande, Barra do Dande, and Panguila in Bengo Province. It is noteworthy that over 200 patients remain hospitalised in cholera treatment centres. The rapid propagation of the disease and its high mortality rate underscore the urgent need for enhanced surveillance measures, improved access to treatment, and strengthened water, sanitation, and hygiene interventions.