Cholera in Yemen (Update 14)
28 May 2018
The World Health Organisation’s Eastern Medterranean Regional Office 
reports continuing cholera transmission in Yemen. The case total from 27 April 2017 to 20 May 2018 is 1 100 720 suspected cases (2 291 deaths), with 1119 confirmed cases.
At the present time, the rate of new cases is highest in the governorates of Amran, Al Mahwit, Al Dhale’e, Dhamar and Sana’a. Twenty-nine percent of cases are children ages under 5 years old.
Cases of cholera have been reported by 155 districts (out of 305 affected districts) in the last 3 weeks, but 150 districts have reported no suspected cases in the same period.
Advice for 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.