14 October 2018 - The Ministry of Public Health and Population of Yemen has reported 15201 suspected cases and 37 associated deaths during epidemiological week 38 (17 September – 23 September) in 2018. 14% are severe cases. The cumulative total number of suspected cholera cases from 27 April 2017 to 23 September 2018 is 1207596 and 2510 associated deaths (CFR 0.21%). So far, 2980 samples have been confirmed by culture.

Children under 5 years of age represent 30.5% of the total suspected cases. So far, the cholera outbreak has affected 22 out of 23 governorates and 306 out of 333 districts in Yemen. 

This week, the governorates reporting the highest number of suspected cases are Amran (2542), Al Hudaydah (2459), Dhamar (1965), Sana’a (1942) and Amanat Al Asimah (1611). At the country level, there has been an upward trend for 15 consecutive weeks and from week 35 to week 37 the trend of suspected cases is increasing by 16%. Eight governorates are presenting an increase of suspected cases which include Aden (+65%), Amran (+45%), Al Hudaydah (+27%) and  Taizz (+22%).

WHO, in coordination with Health and WASH cluster partners, continues to support the Ministry of Public Health and Population of Yemen to contain this outbreak through the strengthening of disease surveillance including laboratory capacity, case management and improving sanitation. 

To date, out of 7321 samples collected during 2018, 1875 cases have been confirmed as cholera positive by culture at the central public health laboratories in Al Hudaydahm Sana’a, Taizz, and Aden governorates. The last positive culture was confirmed on 29 June 2018 in Amanat Al Asimah.

WHO has established an Oral rehydration corners (ORCs) at the health unit in Al Tawilha district, Al Mahwit governorate. Also WHO continues to support enhancing distribution of medication for cholera cases and conducting heatlh education to increase awareness among the vulnerable population. Currently Health Cluster partners operating 247 ORCs and 90 diarrhea treatment center (DTCs) in 98 districts 14 governorates in the country. 

WHO and UNICEF, with MOPHP are preparing to conduct the second round of the oral cholera vaccination (OCV) campaign at the end of September in the northern governorates.