Ukraine has launched an intensified cholera surveillance season
Every year from June to October, Ukraine enters a period of heightened surveillance for cholera. This was reported by the Ministry of Health.
The Ministry of Health explained: “Enhanced surveillance allows for a rapid response to suspected cases of cholera. It is an acute intestinal infection transmitted primarily through contaminated water or food. With early diagnosis and proper treatment, cholera is curable, which is why you should see a doctor immediately at the first symptoms.”
Specialists from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) are conducting:
- laboratory testing of cases of severe acute intestinal infections
- monitoring environmental samples to detect the cholera vibrio
- training healthcare professionals in cholera prevention and diagnosis
- assessing risks related to water, food, and sanitation
The Ministry recommends following basic safety rules:
- do not buy fish or other products from street vendors
- Do not swim or fish in contaminated bodies of water
- Practice good hygiene and wash your hands before eating and after using the restroom
- use clean, preferably bottled water
- wash fruits and vegetables thoroughly
- Cook food thoroughly
According to the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control, 68,749 cases of cholera were reported worldwide from January 1 to May 26, 2026. Meanwhile, no cases of the disease were detected in Ukraine during this period.
Africa has seen the largest cholera outbreak in the last 25 years. Since the beginning of the year, approximately 300,000 cases of infection and over 7,000 deaths have been reported.
In the regions affected by the Russians’ destruction of the Kakhovka Hydroelectric Power Plant dam, there is a risk of a cholera outbreak.
