1 March 2018 – The Ministry of Public Health and Population of Yemen has recorded 3362 suspected cases of cholera, and zero associated deaths in the country for week 7 (12–18 February) of 2018. The cumulative total of suspected cholera cases stands at 1 063 786 suspected cholera cases and 2258 associated deaths (case-fatality rate 0.21%) since April 2017.

The weekly proportion of severe cases has been on the decline, representing only 11% of admitted cases. Out of 306 districts, 132 have not reported new cases for the last three consecutive weeks. The five governorates with the highest cumulative attack rates are Amran, Al Mahwit, Al Dhale’e, Hajjah and Sana’a.

WHO, Health Cluster and WASH partners continue to support the Ministry in responding and containing the outbreak through technical and logistical support to improve the response efforts at the national and local levels. 

This includes supporting operations in 2942 diarrhoeal treatment centres and 788 oral rehydration corners in 195 districts; training the health workforce in case management and rapid response; deploying rapid response teams; ensuring availability of safe water; and sensitizing and mobilizing the community for early reporting of cases to the health facilities. 

Laboratory capacities have been strengthened for sampling and diagnosis. Out of 2763 stool samples tested, 1104 tested positive for Vibrio cholerae bacteria. This is in addition to 30 305 rapid diagnostics tests (RDT) conducted in the community to confirm the presence of Vibrio cholerae.

Although cholera is endemic in Yemen, the country has experienced a surge in cholera cases since April 2017 due to ongoing conflict, destroyed health, water and sanitation infrastructure and malnutrition, which has led the population to be more vulnerable to various epidemic-prone diseases, including cholera.