Yemen: Cholera outbreak reaches 1 million suspected cases /update 3

Event

The number of suspected cholera cases in Yemen has reached around 1 million as of Thursday, December 21. According to the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), over 80 percent of the Yemeni population lacks sufficient food, fuel, and access to health care. The World Health Organization (WHO) has recorded over 2200 related deaths since the beginning of the cholera outbreak in April.

The outbreak is expected to continue to spread in the coming weeks, as the Saudi-led coalition continues to blockade most of Yemen's land, air, and sea ports; the Saudi-led coalition announced on Wednesday, December 20, however, that it would allow the Hodeidah seaport to remain open for 30 days to receive humanitarian aid.

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." Several UN agencies have declared the ongoing crisis in Yemen to be the "worst humanitarian crisis in the world," and have called for the Saudi-led coalition to reopen all of Yemen's ports to allow humanitarian aid to enter the country.

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. Yemen is also affected by widespread famine. Approximately 18 million people - two-thirds of the population of Yemen - are food insecure, according to the World Food Program. Human rights organization CARE reports that millions of people in Yemen are without regular access to safe drinking water and sanitation.

Cholera is an infectious disease caused by Vibrio cholerae bacteria which 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.

In general, 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. Professional security advice and support should be sought prior to travel.