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Sudan: recent disease outbreaks
Sources checked
Recent reports
Cholera — West Kordofan, North Kordofan; cases reported in Darfur and Khartoum
WHO reported that, in surveillance data compiled through epidemiological week 39, Sudan had ongoing cholera transmission with the outbreak first detected on 8 May 2026 in West Kordofan; WHO’s Weekly Epidemiological Record cites 2,887 reported cases and 247 deaths reported to WHO for the period 1 January–30 August 2026, with cases concentrated in West Kordofan and North Kordofan and further reports from South Darfur, North Darfur and Khartoum. WHO WER (week 39, data to 30 Aug 2026). This is human disease transmission (local) and matters to travellers because cholera spreads through contaminated water and can rapidly cause severe dehydration in affected communities with disrupted water/sanitation services; travellers should use local official guidance on safe water, food and seeking urgent care if severe diarrhoea develops (see WHO update above).
Dengue surge — Blue Nile (Damazin, Roseires) and elevated transmission in other states
Local health volunteers and civil-society sources reported a large dengue wave in Blue Nile State in late September 2026, estimating more than 6,000 cases in Damazin and Roseires (reports published 30 Sep 2026); official regional figures quoted by the same reports were lower earlier in the season (hundreds confirmed), indicating rapid spread during the rainy season. Darfur24 (30 Sep 2026). UNICEF’s mid‑year situation report (reporting period 1 Jan–30 Jun 2026) also notes ongoing dengue transmission in parts of the country and highlights the increased seasonal risk with rains. UNICEF SitRep (8 Aug 2026, reporting to 30 Jun 2026). Dengue is mosquito‑borne (human cases, local transmission); travellers should expect increased mosquito activity in the rainy season and follow vector‑bite prevention measures advised by health authorities.
Yellow fever — Darfur region (reactive vaccination and vector control activity)
Sudanese health authorities reported clusters of yellow fever cases in parts of Darfur and mobilized insecticide spraying and vaccination activities; federal statements reported hundreds of suspected/confirmed cases and dozens of deaths in Darfur localities and described delivery of vaccine doses for reactive campaigns and partner support. Sudan National Medical Supplies Fund / Ministry statements (reported to national media). WHO regional reporting highlights yellow fever as a continuing threat in at‑risk African countries in 2025–2026 and supports vaccination as the primary public‑health tool. WHO disease outbreak news (2026). This concerns human cases with local mosquito‑borne transmission; travellers should note the local outbreaks and check vaccination guidance and entry requirements (see below).
Measles — Darfur (displacement camps) and other hotspots
Reports from September 2026 described active measles outbreaks in Darfur displacement camps (for example, an Atash camp cluster with ~100 cases and several deaths recorded during August–September 2026) and larger multi‑month measles activity reported by relief actors and MSF in South Darfur and neighbouring areas. Darfur24 (25 Sep 2026); MSF and UNICEF reporting cited widespread measles in Darfur and Kordofan through mid‑2026. UNICEF SitRep (8 Aug 2026). Measles is human‑to‑human (respiratory) and vaccine‑preventable; outbreaks in crowded displacement settings increase risk to unvaccinated travellers and to children without documented immunization.
Hepatitis E — Blue Nile and Al Jazirah (displaced populations, pregnant women flagged)
UNICEF’s mid‑year sitrep (reporting to 30 June 2026) notes hepatitis E activity reported among displaced populations, particularly in Blue Nile and Al Jazirah states, and flags increased risk among pregnant women; the report documents surveillance and preparedness actions by humanitarian health partners. UNICEF SitRep (8 Aug 2026). Hepatitis E is a waterborne viral infection causing human illness; travellers visiting affected communities should follow local WASH guidance and seek care for jaundice or severe illness.
Official travel/entry measure — suspension of international vaccination services at Khartoum and Port Sudan airports (effective 10 Aug 2026)
The Federal Ministry of Health announced suspension of international vaccination services at Khartoum and Port Sudan airports effective 10 August 2026 and designated approved health centres where travellers must obtain International Vaccination Certificates (yellow fever card) in advance of departure. Sudan Nabaa reporting on the Ministry announcement (Aug 2026); travel advisories and travel‑service summaries list the same measure and provide alternative centres for certificate issuance. Baeed Travel summary (12 Aug 2026). Travellers who require a yellow fever certificate should obtain it from an approved health centre before arriving at the airport; check with the Sudan Federal Ministry of Health or your airline for current procedures before travel.
This summary is a dated snapshot of reports and public statements checked on 27 October 2026. Conditions and official guidance can change quickly; travellers should check Sudan’s Federal Ministry of Health, WHO country updates, and travel health advisories from their government and seek pre‑travel vaccination and current entry‑requirement information before departure.