Yemen: Cholera outbreak surpasses 350,000 cases /update 3

Event

As of Monday, July 17, the cholera outbreak in Yemen has surpassed 350,000 suspected cases since it began in late April. Over 1790 have died from the disease. Current numbers are thought to be a an underrepresentation of the true scale of the outbreak, as almost half of health facilities are not functioning effectively and surveillance systems in the country are very weak.

The epidemic has spread to 21 of the country's 23 governorates and 88 percent of the districts. Western parts of the country remain the most affected, which remains ensnared in a two-year war between a Saudi-led coalition and armed Houthi rebels.

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 18.8 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.

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.