Cholera in Yemen (Update 7)
23 Aug 2017
There have been 542 278 cases (including 2 003 deaths) of cholera in Yemen from 27 April 2017 to 20 August 2017.
27,766 cases and 17 deaths were reported in week ending 20 August 2017, with a quarter of those affacted being children aged under 5 years.
22 out of 23 governorates and 300 out of 333 districts are affected by the outbreak. There has been no interruption in transmission in any governorate involved in the outbreak so far.
Advice to Travellers
Prevention is focused on ensuring safe water and food, particularly in countries where cholera is more common or where outbreaks occur (see individual country record). Food and drink to be wary of include untreated water, ice, shellfish, salads, unwashed fruit and vegetables.
Good personal hygiene is essential. Individuals should ensure that they wash their hands frequently, prior to eating and after visiting the bathroom.
A vaccine is available to protect against cholera but as the risk to most travellers is very low, it is only recommended in the following circumstances:
- Volunteers/aid workers/medical personnel in disaster relief situations where cholera outbreaks likely.
- Those travelling to work in slums/refugee camps, areas affected by natural disasters, or countries experiencing cholera outbreaks and where care with food and water is difficult or not possible.
For further information see Cholera