A cholera outbreak was officially confirmed in Burundi on 1 January 2023, with the situation evolving since then. The latest reports indicate a growing number of cases and deaths associated with the outbreak.

As of 6 January 2023, a total of 42 suspected cases of cholera have been reported, with no fatalities recorded. The affected districts include Budjumbura North, Cibitoke, Isale, and Bujumbura Centre, with varying numbers of reported cases in each district. The World Health Organization (WHO) provided these updates on 13 January 2023.

By 1 February 2023, the number of suspected cases had risen to 118, including one death, resulting in a case fatality rate (CFR) of 0.8%. Of the reported cases, over 66 were confirmed through laboratory testing. Females accounted for more than half of the cases (51.7%), with the most affected age group being 21-30 years old. Children under the age of five represented 20.3% of the cases. WHO released this information on 11 March 2023.

The situation continued to worsen, with a 120% increase in new cholera cases from 10 in week 12 to 22 in week 13. One additional death was reported during the same period. As of 4 April 2023, a cumulative total of 232 cases and one death (CFR 0.4%) had been reported across seven health districts in three provinces, including areas bordering South Kivu in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The outbreak was officially declared on 1 January 2023, with cases being reported since 8 December 2022. WHO shared this update on 5 April 2023.

The number of cases continued to rise, reaching 327 suspected cases and three deaths (CFR 0.9%) by 23 April 2023. Out of these, 175 cases were confirmed through laboratory testing. The latest information was provided by WHO on 27 April 2023.

The ongoing cholera outbreak in Burundi is a matter of concern, with a significant increase in the number of cases and fatalities. Efforts to control the outbreak and provide necessary medical support to those affected are crucial in order to minimize the impact of the disease and prevent further spread. Collaboration between local authorities, international organizations, and healthcare providers will play a key role in managing the outbreak and ensuring the well-being of the affected communities.