1 March 2018 – The Ministry of Health of Somalia has reported 143 new cases of AWD/cholera, with 1 associated death during week 7 (12–18 February) of 2018. The cumulative total number of cases stands at 997 with 8 associated deaths (CFR 0.8%) since the outbreak began in December 2017. Children under 5 represent 67% of the reported cases.

New cases have been reported in 16 districts in Banadir, Lower Jubba, Middle Shabelle and Hiran. In Jowhar in Middle Shebelle region, which is one of the cholera hotspots, 9 out of 10 stool samples have tested positive for Vibrio cholerae.

Somalia experienced a major cholera outbreak in 2017 with 79 172 reported cases and 1159 associated deaths. Oral cholera vaccination (OCV) campaigns were conducted in hotspots around the country in response to the outbreak, and successfully limited the number of new cases. However, 95% of the reported cases in the current outbreak have not been previously immunized.

WHO is coordinating the planning and implementation of response activities with the Ministry of Health, WASH and Health Cluster partners, and local health authorities. This includes an oral cholera vaccination campaign in Dhoobley and Hudur districts of South Central Somalia, support for case management in cholera treatment centres in Banadir, Beledweyne, and Kismayo; surveillance; deployment of rapid response teams; engagement of community health workers; provision of medical supplies; health and hygiene education in affected communities; and distribution of hygiene kits in Beledweyne and Kismayo.