The number of cholera cases reported in Yemen from Apr. 27 through May 27, 2017 has reached 51,832 in 19 of the country 23 governorates, according to the latest data from the World Health Organization (WHO). Officials put the death tally at 417, or just a little less than 1 percent of the total.
In the last six days (May 22-27), the country reported 14, 298 cases and 77 deaths. In the past week, an average of 2,529 cases were reported per day. This is actually down from the previous week when the daily tally average was 3,025.
The four most affected governorates were Amanat Al Asimah, Amran, Hajjah and Sanaa, with 57.3% (29 879/52 140) of the cases reported since Apr. 27. in addition, since Apr 27, 76% of all districts (254/333) have been affected.
Cholera is an acute diarrheal infection caused by ingestion of food or water contaminated with the bacterium Vibrio cholerae. Every year, there are an estimated 3 to 5 million cholera cases and 100 000 to 120 000 deaths due to cholera. The short incubation period of 2 hours to 5 days, enhances the potentially explosive pattern of outbreaks.
Cholera is an extremely virulent disease. It affects both children and adults and can kill within hours. About 75% of people infected with Vibrio cholerae do not develop any symptoms, although the bacteria are present in their feces for 7–14 days after infection and are shed back into the environment, potentially infecting other people.
Related:
- Guinea worm disease: 21 suspected cases in South Sudan
- Pink eye becomes epidemic in the Dominican Republic
- Brazil: Leptospirosis cases up in Alagoas state
- Legalizing marijuana in Canada will jeopardize the health of young people: CMAJ
- Philippines: 12 million people at risk for schistosomiasis, a major neglected tropical disease
