Botswana: recent disease outbreaks
Sources checked
Recent reports
Increase in diarrhoea with dehydration among young children (national; Sept–Oct 2026)
Botswana authorities reported a spike in diarrhoea with dehydration affecting children under five during epidemiological Week 37 (6–12 September 2026), with hundreds of cases and several deaths reported across multiple districts including Gaborone, Francistown, Mahalapye, Palapye, Boteti and Letlhakeng. The Ministry of Local Government and Traditional Affairs and the Botswana Public Health Institute (BPHI) said multidisciplinary response teams were deployed in late September to support clinical care and surveillance; public guidance emphasised handwashing, drinking safe (treated or boiled) water, and early care-seeking for children with frequent loose stools. News&All report quoting BPHI/Ministry (22 Sep 2026) and BPHI weekly surveillance updates. BPHI weekly summaries (Sep–Oct 2026).
Local foodborne outbreak after Independence Day event — suspected Salmonella (Moshupa / Kgomokasitwa area; October 2026)
Local health authorities and the Moshupa District Council reported an outbreak of suspected food poisoning linked to an Independence Day event that began affecting attendees in early October 2026. Preliminary laboratory testing has identified Salmonella bacteria as a likely cause; the council reported about 270 people sought medical care and two deaths are under investigation. Joint teams and laboratories were engaged to identify the contaminated food and advise on food-safety measures; residents were urged to seek care if symptomatic. News&All report (24 Oct 2026).
Malaria surge in northern districts (Okavango, Ngamiland, Chobe; mid–late 2026)
Northern districts, including Okavango and Chobe, reported increased malaria cases during the 2026 rainy season. Local authorities and private-sector partners described large case counts in the Okavango/Ngamiland area (reported totals over 1,000 cases in Okavango district in an August 18, 2026 update) and distributed antimalarial supplies to affected facilities. Travelers to northern wetland and safari areas should be aware of elevated malaria transmission risk and take vector-avoidance measures. Business Botswana: PSDRF donation and district reports (18 Aug 2026); see national travel-health guidance on malaria prevention. CDC: Botswana — traveler health advice (updated 2026).
Foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) in livestock with movement controls and trade impacts (2026, ongoing)
Veterinary authorities continue to report FMD activity in Botswana’s control zones and border areas during 2026. Government briefings describe movement controls, construction of containment fencing, checkpoints and vaccination campaigns to limit spread; the outbreak has affected trade (including suspension of some export access) and prompted multiagency responses. These are animal events (livestock) but have practical relevance for travelers moving animals or crossing rural cattle-control checkpoints. DailyNews: government briefing on FMD response (18 Aug 2026) and official animal-health notifications compiled by WOAH/WAHIS. WOAH regional immediate notifications (2026).
Heightened entry screening at points of entry after Bundibugyo (BDBV) Ebola outbreaks in DRC/Uganda (notice published 28 May 2026)
The Botswana Ministry of Health issued a public notice on 28 May 2026 establishing intensified health screening at all points of entry (airports, land borders) as a precaution after Bundibugyo ebolavirus outbreaks in the DRC and Uganda; measures described included temperature checks, symptom screening and health-declaration requirements for travellers who have been in the DRC or Uganda within the previous 21 days. Regional and international surveillance summaries published through Sep–Oct 2026 list Botswana among countries that implemented entry-screening measures. Travelers who plan to arrive from, or transit through, affected countries should expect possible targeted screening and should follow official instructions. Government of Botswana: Notice on heightened screening (28 May 2026); international situation reports from WHO and ECDC. WHO disease-outbreak notices for DRC (2026) and ECDC situation summaries (Sep–Oct 2026).
Summary
These items are a dated snapshot (sources checked 27 October 2026) of outbreak reports and control measures reported or updated in the 90 days before that date. Conditions can change rapidly; check the Botswana Ministry of Health or BPHI notices, your national travel-health advisory, and local authorities for the latest travel-related health guidance before and during travel.