Yemen: WHO reports 612,000 cholera cases in Yemen September 5 /update 6

Event

The total number of suspected cholera cases in Yemen hit 612,703 on Tuesday, September 5, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). According to the WHO report, released Monday, September 4, over 2000 people have died since the epidemic began rapidly spreading in late April 2017, and that an estimated 3000 people are infected per day. The disease continues to spread quickly in recently affected regions.

Yemen’s cholera outbreak, currently the largest epidemic in the world, will likely worsen in coming weeks as conditions in the country remain conducive to the spread of disease: millions are without access to clean water, waste collection has stopped in major cities, and the country's health system is rapidly collapsing due to damage from the ongoing civil war.

Context

The collapse of Yemen's infrastructure amid the ongoing war between the Saudi-backed government of President Abdrabbuh Mansur Hadi and the Houthi rebels has made for what the WHO has called a "perfect storm for cholera." It is currently the worst outbreak of the disease in the world.

Yemen has been engaged in a complex and deadly conflict since Houthi rebels started fighting the international coalition-backed government in 2015. Approximately 20.7 million people are in need of humanitarian assistance and the crisis has placed an overwhelming strain on the country's struggling health system. Major health facilities have been destroyed in the conflict and aid deliveries are often blocked by rebels, stolen, or destroyed. The port of Hodeida, one of the largest ports of the country, is blocked by rebels and threatened by the conflict, which prevents international aid from entering the country. Yemen is also affected by a widespread famine. Approximately 17 million people - two-thirds of the population of Yemen - are food insecure, according to the World Food Program. Human rights organization CARE reports half the population is unable to access safe drinking water.

Cholera is an infectious disease caused by the Vibrio cholerae bacteria that can induce acute diarrhea. The risk of death is greatest among people with compromised immune systems, such as malnourished children or those living with HIV. However, even among healthy adults, cholera can be fatal within a matter of hours.

Advice

To reduce the risk of contracting cholera, wash hands regularly, drink only bottled or purified water, and avoid eating raw or undercooked foods. Seek immediate medical care if you believe you may have contracted the disease.

The security environment in Yemen remains complex. Due to poor security conditions, many Western governments strongly advise their citizens against all travel to Yemen. Travel to the country should only be considered with proper security protocols in place.