Kwilu Cholera Hits Four Health Zones With 419 Cases and 30 Deaths

Kwilu, DRC, August 7, 2026 - Cholera in Kwilu now affects four health zones after Mokala and Ipamu joined Bandundu and Kikongo. Since early June, authorities have recorded 419 cases and 30 deaths. Bandundu and Kikongo currently report no new cases (Kikongo 166 cases and 8 deaths; Bandundu 212 cases and 14 deaths, with more than 198 people cured in Bandundu). Transmission remains active in Mokala and Ipamu, with untreated Kasai River water cited as a main driver. Chlorination is under way in Piopio and Panu (Mokala) and at Kinkole (Ipamu). Dr. Jean-Pierre Matela, chief of the provincial health division, said central and provincial authorities are supplying water-treatment inputs, protective equipment, and disinfection materials.