31 May 2018 – The Ministry of Public Health and Population of Yemen has reported 1 874 suspected cases and two associated deaths during epidemiological week 20 (14 – 20 May) in 2018. The governorates reporting the highest number of cases are Sanaa (335), Amran (302), Dhamar (262) and Al Hudaydah (257). The cumulative total of suspected cholera cases, from 27 April 2017 to 20 May 2018, is 1 100 720 and 2 291 associated deaths (case fatality rate 0.21%). Children under 5 years of age represent 28.8% of the total suspected cases. So far, the cholera outbreak has affected 22 out of 23 governorates and 305 out of 333 districts in Yemen. 

At the national level, the trend for the weekly number of cases is decreasing. The number of reported cases has decreased or remained stable in all governorates for three consecutive weeks, except for Sanaa. Also, the weekly proportion of severe cases has significantly decreased to 18%. However, 155 districts have reported suspected cholera cases in the last three weeks. 

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, case management and improving sanitation. From 6 to 16 of May, an oral cholera vaccination (OCV) campaign was conducted in five districts of Aden (Sira, Al Tawahi, Khor Maksar, Al Mualla and Al Buraiqeh) targeting 453 000 people over 1 year of age, and 274 650 doses in total have been distributed. 274 650 people were vaccinated during the 10-day campaign, and the administrative coverage was 60%.