WHO Warns of Cholera Epidemic: 1,900 Deaths, 193,000 Cases Reported
WHO records 193,000 cases of cholera and over 1,900 deaths globally.
Global Cholera Outbreak: WHO Reports 193,000 Cases and 1,900 Deaths. Outbreaks in 24 countries across 5 regions, with vaccine shortages and climate change exacerbating the crisis.
The global cholera outbreak has resulted in 1,932 cases and 194,897 fatalities, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).
The WHO's Eastern Mediterranean Region said in a statement that these incidents happened between January 1, 2024, and May 26, 2024.
There were cases reported in 24 nations across five WHO regions.
The largest numbers were recorded by the Eastern Mediterranean Region, which was followed by the African, American, South-East Asian, and European regions. During this time, no outbreaks were documented in the Western Pacific area.
“The global stockpile of Oral Cholera Vaccines (OCV) was depleted until early March but exceeded the emergency target of 5 million doses in early June for the first time in 2024.
“As of 10 June 2024, the stockpile has 6.2 million doses. However, demand for the vaccine continues to outpace supply. Since January 2023, 92 million OCV doses were requested by 16 countries, nearly double the 49 million doses produced during this period.
“By March, the UN health agency said it exhausted its global stockpile of Oral Cholera Vaccines OCV. Still, it was able to exceed the emergency target of five million doses in early June for the first time in 2024,” WHO said.
According to WHO data, 16 countries have sought 92 million OCV doses since January of last year, which is almost twice as much as the 49 million doses that were produced during that time.
It said that funds are being allocated to discover long-term cholera solutions in cooperation with partners like UNICEF.
The WHO raised the global cholera outbreak to a grade three emergency in January 2023—its highest internal emergency level.
WHO continues to rate the worldwide risk level as very high, keeping the event's grade three emergency status due to the growing number of outbreaks and their geographic spread, as well as vaccine and resource shortages.
Worldwide cholera cases climb, despite past successes, as the disease re-emerges in countries that had made significant strides against it.
The Vibrio cholerae bacteria, which is frequently found in feces, contaminates food and water, causing cholera, an acute intestinal infection. Access to clean water and proper sanitation can help prevent.
Although cholera can be deadly in a matter of hours if left untreated, receiving treatment quickly prevents death.
“The recent outbreaks have also been more deadly, with case fatality rates being the highest recorded in over a decade.
“This increase in outbreaks and cases is stretching the global capacity to respond. There is a shortage of cholera tools, including vaccines,” it added.
Climate change and ongoing conflicts enhance persistent factors for cholera epidemics, such as poverty and violence. Severe weather phenomena like hurricanes, floods, and droughts make it harder to get clean water and encourage the spread of cholera.
Compared to the 35 nations that reported cases in 2021, 44 countries reported cholera cases in 2022, a 25% increase. This continued until 2023.
No comments:
Leave comment here