The global cholera situation is deteriorating, with outbreaks occurring in 31 countries and an increasing fatality rate, as reported by the World Health Organization on Friday.
“Considering the scale, severity, and interconnected nature of these outbreaks, the risk of further transmission within and between nations is deemed very high,” it stated.
The UN health agency indicated that the worsening outlook was “driven by conflict and poverty,” with rural and flood-affected regions being particularly susceptible to the disease – an acute intestinal infection that spreads through food and water contaminated with bacteria, often originating from faeces.
From January 1 to August 17, the WHO recorded 409,222 cases and 4,738 deaths reported worldwide.
Although cases decreased by 20 percent compared to the same timeframe last year, deaths increased by 46 percent.
Cholera is re-emerging in several countries that had not seen significant case numbers in years, such as the Republic of Congo and Chad.
These countries are currently reporting the highest case fatality rates, at 7.7 percent and 6.8 percent respectively.
Cholera can be fatal within hours if not treated, although it can be managed with simple oral rehydration and antibiotics for more severe instances.
Since 2021, there has been a global rise in cholera cases and their geographical distribution.
