20 December 2018 - The Ministry of Public Health and Population of Yemen has reported 13 480 suspected cases and 11 associated deaths during epidemiological week 47 (19 – 25 November) in 2018. Of these, 13% are severe cases. The cumulative number of suspected cholera cases from 1 January 2018 to 25 November 2018 is 311 288, with 401 associated deaths (CFR 0.13%). Children under five represent 32% of the total suspected cases while 22 out of 23 governorates, and 306 out of 333 districts in Yemen have been affected. 

To date, out of 9843 stool samples collected during 2018, 3084 cases have been confirmed as cholera positive by culture at central public health laboratories. This reporting period, 31 stool samples from Amanat Al Asimah, Al Mahwit, Amran, Al Hudayda and Sanaa were tested positive.

From week 44 to week 46, the trend of weekly reported suspected cholera cases is stable at country level. However, there are seven governorates (Sanaa, Al Bayda, Amanat Al Asimah, Raymah, Al Jawf, Al Dhalee, Abyan and Marib) reporting an increase in suspected cholera cases. This week, the governorates reporting the highest number of suspected cases are Al Hudaydah (1987), Amran (1760), Amanat Al Asimah (1644) Sana’a (1562), and Ibb (1530). 

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 improved sanitation.