28 March 2018 – The Ministry of Health of Somalia has announced 136 new cases of cholera, and zero deaths for week 11 (12 to 18 March) of 2018. Children under 2 represent 45 % of the reported cases.  The cumulative total number of cases is 1613 including 9 associated deaths (case fatality rate 0.6%) since the beginning of the current outbreak in December 2017.

The outbreak is said to have started in Beledweyne in Hiran region from where it spread to communities along the River Shabelle. New cases continue to be reported in Banadir, Hiran, Lower Jubba, and Middle Shabelle. 

Out of 76 stool samples collected from 6 CTC in 4 region, 25 have tested positive for the presence of vibrio cholerae bacteria.

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 support for support for clinical care delivery; support for case management in cholera treatment centres; 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.

While cholera in endemic in Somalia, a major cholera outbreak occurred 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. 

WHO supported the first round of an oral cholera vaccination campaign conducted in Hudur in Bakol region, and Afmadow in Lower Jubba region from 11 to 18 February. A total of 176037 people aged one year and above received the first of 2 doses of oral cholera vaccine. The second round of the campaign is expected to run at the end of March. The vaccination campaign targets populations that previously have not previously received cholera immunization.