Cholera Outbreaks Continue to Deteriorate, Vaccination Advised

The World Health Organization (WHO) recently confirmed that the global cholera situation continues to deteriorate in 2025.

Cholera is resurging in several countries, with some that had not reported substantial case numbers in years.

Since January and through August 17, 2025, the WHO has reported a total of 4,738 cholera/Acute Watery Diarrhoea-related fatalities from 31 countries, with six of the 31 countries reporting case fatality rates (CFR) above 1%.

For example, suspected cholera cases have been reported from two provinces of the Republic of Chad. Among these, Chokoyane is the most affected area, accounting for 541 cases and 25 deaths, with a district-specific CFR of 4.6%.

While Cholera is an acute diarrheal infection caused by consuming food or water contaminated with the bacterium Vibrio cholerae, primarily associated with poor sanitation and limited access to safe water, it can be prevented with vaccination.

As of September 5, 2025, the U.S. CDC's Travel Health Advisories for these countries advise cholera vaccination before departing abroad. Most cholera cases diagnosed in the U.S. are related to international travel.

In the U.S., Vaxchora® (CVD 103-HgR) is the only U.S. FDA-approved vaccine available at travel clinics and pharmacies.