Cholera in Yemen

ABSTRACT

The Ministry of Public Health and Population [MOPH and P] in Yemen has reported an outbreak of acute watery diarrhea [AWD] in Lahj Governorate [South Yemen] in the region of Alshat and Ras Alara districts. The outbreak started on 29 June 2010 and as of 2 July, a total of 300 suspected cases including 4 deaths [CFR 1.3%] have been reported. Majority [about 50%] of the cases were described as presenting with moderate dehydration. Some cases were transferred to Aden for admission and laboratory investigations. Nine out of 50 samples were tested were positive for Vibrio cholerae. The MOPH and P has initiated control measures that include case management, chlorination of affected wells and other domestic water sources and as a result, the number of cases are coming down in recent days