Yemen: Diphtheria cases rising, cholera cases decreasing /update 1

Event

The number of reported diphtheria cases was on the rise in Yemen as of Tuesday, January 16. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the ongoing diphtheria outbreak has spread in recent weeks: some 678 probable diphtheria cases, and 48 associated deaths, have been reported as of Tuesday, compared to 471 cases - of which 46 were fatal - reported in the country on January 4. Among the provinces most affected by the ongoing outbreak are Ibb and Al-Hodeidah; 19 out of Yemen's 23 provinces have been affected. International aid organizations, including the WHO and UN Children's Fund (UNICEF) have attempted to import and distribute vaccines to prevent the further spread of the disease.

Additionally, the number of cases reported in the ongoing cholera outbreak - though surpassing 1 million cases and 2244 associated deaths in the country as of January 2018 - has declined in recent months, according to a WHO statement on January 16. However, additional suspected cases of diphtheria and cholera are expected to be reported in Yemen in the coming weeks.

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 created what the WHO has called a "perfect storm" for diseases. Several UN agencies have declared the ongoing crisis in Yemen to be the "worst humanitarian crisis in the world."

Diphtheria is an infectious disease caused by the bacterium Corynebacterium diphtheria, which primarily infects the throat and upper airways and produces a toxin affecting other organs. The illness has an acute onset and the main characteristics are sore throat, low-grade fever, and swollen glands in the neck; the toxin may, in severe cases, cause myocarditis or peripheral neuropathy. The disease is spread through direct physical human contact or from breathing in the aerosolized secretions from coughs or sneezes of infected individuals. A vaccine exists for this potentially fatal disease.

Cholera is an infectious disease caused by the Vibrio cholerae bacterium 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

Individuals planning travel to or in Yemen are strongly advised to receive diphtheria and cholera vaccinations. It is also advised to stock up on food and bottled water, and conserve water as much as possible.

The security environment throughout the country remains complex, and due to poor security conditions, most 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, and professional security advice and support should be sought prior to travel. ​