19 Jul 2024 | 11:42 AM UTC
Yemen: Elevated cholera activity reported in multiple areas in July /update 1
Elevated cholera activity reported in multiple areas in Yemen in July. Use strict food and water precautions.
Health officials have reported elevated cholera activity in multiple areas in Yemen, with more than 112,580 suspected cases reported Jan. 1-July 10. Data on the most affected areas nationwide is limited due to the lack of data available in many governorates. Official data is only collected from the Internationally Recognized Government (IRG) areas of Yemen, with a total of 21,153 cases (1,244 confirmed cases) reported from Jan. 1-July 14. This is higher than the 1,367 cases reported in the IRG areas over a similar period in 2023. Aden (4,792 cases) is the most affected IRG area, followed by Al Dhale'e (4,520 cases), Lahj (3,468 cases), Abyan (3,135 cases), Taizz (2,922 cases), and Al Hudaydah (1,190 cases). International health authorities have launched an outbreak response in multiple governorates, providing training for medical and non-medical staff, supporting treatment at health facilities, donating medical supplies, and carrying out health promotion activities. This report represents the most up-to-date information as of July 19.
Consult a travel medicine provider before departure regarding cholera vaccination. Practice strict food and water precautions. Seek immediate medical attention if symptoms develop within a week of being in affected areas.
Cholera is transmitted directly through food or water contaminated with fecal material from an infected person. Most infected people develop no symptoms or only mild diarrhea. However, approximately one in 10 infected people develop severe cholera, which causes symptoms including profuse, watery diarrhea, vomiting, rapid heart rate, low blood pressure, muscle cramps, restlessness or irritability. Symptoms typically appear 2-3 days after exposure, but can develop up to 5 days after exposure. Individuals with severe cholera can develop acute renal failure, severe electrolyte imbalances, and coma. If left untreated, these can lead to shock and rapid death.
