8 November 2018 - The Ministry of Public Health and Population of Yemen has reported 14491 suspected cases and 13 associated deaths during epidemiological week 42 (15 – 21 October) in 2018. 12% are severe cases. The cumulative total number of suspected cholera cases from 1 January 2018 to 21 October 2018 is 242849 with 246 associated deaths (CFR 0.14%). Children under five represent 31.7% of the total suspected cases. 22 out of 23 governorates and 306 out of 333 districts in Yemen have been affected.

From week 39 to week 41, the trend of weekly reported suspected cholera cases is stable at country level, although seven governorates ( Al Mahwit, Sanaa, Raymah, Al Jawf, Aden, Abyan and Marib) continue to report an increase in suspected cholera cases. This week, the governorates reporting the highest number of suspected cases are Amanat Al Asimah (1555), Sanaa (1 492), Arman(2156), Dhamar (2232), Al Hudaydah (2475),  ans Al Hudaydah (2727).

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 8263 samples collected during 2018, 2178 cases have been confirmed as cholera positive by culture at the central public health laboratories in Al Hudaydah, Sana’a, Taizz, and Aden governorates. This reporting period, 29 stool samples from Amanat Al Asimah, Sanaa, Hajjah, Al Mahwit, Al Hudaydah, and Ibb tested positive.