Cholera is endemic in Benin with cases reported annually since 2016. In 2021, Benin reported its first epidemic wave of cholera between March and April, in the commune of So-Ava, Atlantique Department, with 103 cases including three laboratory-confirmed cases and no deaths.   

A second epidemic wave began in September 2021, with 1430 cases and 20 deaths (CFR: 1.4 %) reported from 1 September 2021 to 16 January 2022. Of these, stool culture performed on 41 samples at the National Laboratory, Benin, were confirmed as Vibrio cholerae O1 serogroup.

Of the cases reported during the second wave, 53% (n=758) were females and 62% (n=887) were between the ages of 16 and 45 years. Cases have been reported from nine departments in Benin including Alibori, Atacora, Atlantique, Borgou, Collines, Donga, Littoral, Mono and Oueme. Borgou department, the epicenter of the outbreak, reported an increase in cholera cases from week 43 (ending on 31 October) to week 50 (ending on 12 December), with 841 cases reported, of which 71% of cases (n=597) were reported from Parakou district.

Public health response

Coordination

• An incident management system has been activated at the national level and in the affected departments to coordinate the response and support the departmental teams.
• A response plan was developed by the Ministry of Health in coordination with health partners.
• Readiness and preparedness activities, including the deployment of health personnel, have been strengthened.

Monitoring

• Epidemiological surveillance activities are ongoing, including community-based surveillance, active case finding and case investigations.
• Analysis of cholera hotspots is ongoing.

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