25 October 2018 - The Ministry of Public Health and Population of Yemen has reported 13403 suspected cases and 26 associated deaths during epidemiological week 40 (1–7 October) in 2018. 11% are severe cases. The cumulative total number of suspected cholera cases from 27 April 2017 to 7 October 2018 is 1236028 and 2556 associated deaths (CFR 0.21%).

Since the beginning of the current outbreak, 22 out of 23 governorates and 306 out of 333 districts in Yemen have been affected. The trend of weekly reported suspected cholera cases is stable at country level, however there are four governorates (Al Hudaydah, Taizz, Al Jawf, and Leij) continue to report an increase in cases during this reported period. This week, the governorates reporting the highest number of suspected cases are Al Hudaydah (2475), Amran (2194), Dhamar (1824), Amanat Al Asimah (1467), and Sana’a (1389).

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 8075 samples collected during 2018, 2116 cases have been confirmed as cholera positive by culture at the central public health laboratories in Al Hudaydahm Sana’a, Taizz, and Aden governorates. This week, 37 samples from Amran, Amanat Al Asimat, Al Bayda, Sanna, Taizz, Dhamar and Lahj were confirmed.