Afghanistan: recent disease outbreaks
Sources checked
Recent reports
Polio: new case in Nangarhar and virus detected in Helmand
Wild poliovirus transmission continues in Afghanistan. Reporting published on 13 October 2026, citing World Health Organization surveillance, identified a new human polio case in Surkh Rod district, Nangarhar province, with symptoms beginning on 5 September. Wild poliovirus was also detected in a wastewater sample collected on 22 September in Nahr-e-Saraj district, Helmand province. The wastewater finding indicates environmental circulation of the virus, not an additional human case.
The October report described 36 positive human polio cases in Afghanistan during 2026 up to 11 October, compared with 21 during 2025. Travelers should ensure their polio vaccinations are current and check whether their length of stay triggers additional vaccination documentation requirements before departure. Source: Afghanistan International, reporting WHO polio surveillance, 13 October 2026.
Cholera and acute watery diarrhea: continuing reports across Afghanistan
The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control reported 34,378 additional cholera cases and 10 deaths in Afghanistan between 20 July and 14 September 2026. Its cumulative surveillance figures reached 115,346 cases and 55 deaths from the beginning of 2026 through 14 September. These are national surveillance totals and do not establish the same level of risk in every province.
The World Health Organization's October epidemiological review distinguishes Afghanistan's acute watery diarrhea reports from laboratory-confirmed or suspected cholera, warning that the categories are not directly comparable. WHO recorded 18,329 cases of acute watery diarrhea with dehydration and four deaths during August, a reduction from July. The continuing burden makes safe drinking water, handwashing and food hygiene important. Seek prompt medical assessment for severe watery diarrhea or signs of dehydration. Sources: ECDC cholera surveillance, September 2026 and WHO Weekly Epidemiological Record, 2 October 2026.
Unexplained diarrheal illness: Dasht-e-Barchi, western Kabul
On 24–25 August 2026, local news organizations reported that hundreds of residents, including many children, had developed gastrointestinal illness in parts of Dasht-e-Barchi in western Kabul. Reported symptoms included diarrhea, vomiting, fever and headache, with some accounts describing bloody diarrhea. Affected neighborhoods included Qala-e-Naw and surrounding residential areas. Local hospitals reportedly experienced increased patient demand.
Afghanistan International reported on 25 August that health authorities had appointed an investigative team and discussed the situation with representatives of WHO and the Aga Khan Foundation. The cause had not been established in that report, so the illness should not be attributed to a specific pathogen. No verified later update establishes whether the localized episode remained active in October. Travelers in Kabul should maintain food and water precautions, particularly where drinking-water supplies are uncertain. Sources: Afghanistan International investigation report, 25 August 2026 and Etilaat Roz local reporting, 24 August 2026.
Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever: continued cases reported nationally
WHO surveillance summarized on 27 September recorded 191 suspected Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever cases and 11 associated deaths in Afghanistan during August 2026. Suspected case numbers were 36.8% lower than in July, but transmission remained a public-health concern. These national figures do not identify individual districts as outbreak locations.
The infection can spread through infected tick bites and contact with blood or tissues from infected livestock, as well as through contact with infected patients' bodily fluids. People working with livestock, visiting slaughtering facilities or undertaking rural agricultural activities may have particular exposure. Avoid tick bites and direct contact with animal blood or tissues. Source: Pajhwok Afghan News, reporting WHO August surveillance, 27 September 2026.
Measles: continued suspected cases across Afghanistan
WHO's August 2026 surveillance recorded 1,423 suspected measles cases and seven associated deaths nationally. Suspected cases had fallen by 44.5% compared with July, but the reports indicate continued circulation of a vaccine-preventable infection. The figures describe suspected cases, not necessarily laboratory-confirmed measles, and do not establish where individual travelers are most likely to be exposed.
Measles is highly contagious, particularly in crowded settings and among people without adequate vaccination protection. Travelers should check that their measles, mumps and rubella vaccination is current before departure. Infants and people with incomplete vaccination histories require particular attention to age-appropriate travel recommendations. Source: Pajhwok Afghan News, reporting WHO Health Emergency Situation Report No. 67, 27 September 2026.
Dengue: suspected infections continued during August
WHO surveillance reported 279 suspected dengue cases across Afghanistan during August 2026, representing a 41% decline from July. Although the monthly total decreased, the findings document continued suspected dengue activity. The national summary does not establish the geographic distribution of cases or confirm that all suspected infections were dengue.
Dengue is transmitted by infected mosquitoes, including species that bite during daylight hours. Travelers visiting affected environments should use effective insect repellent, wear protective clothing where practical and reduce mosquito exposure around accommodation. Source: Pajhwok Afghan News, reporting WHO dengue surveillance, 27 September 2026.
These reports provide a dated snapshot of surveillance and outbreak-related developments available on 25 October 2026. Some figures describe suspected illnesses, and reporting periods differ between sources. Disease activity, affected locations and public-health measures can change. Travelers should consult current official health guidance before departure.