Highlights
Country and Governorate level (cumulative)
The cumulative total from 27 April 2017 to 3 September 2017 is 612,009 suspected cases and 2,047 associated deaths (CFR 0.33). 25,883 suspected cases and 11 associated deaths were reported in W35.
The national attack rate is 215 per 10,000. The five governorates with the highest cumulative attack rates per 10,000 remain Amran (540), Al Mahwit (504), Al Dhale’e (482), Abyan (388) and Hajjah (288).
Children under 5 years old represent 24% of total suspected cases.
In total, 11,414 rapid diagnostic tests (RDT) have been performed which represents 18.7% coverage. The coverage for culture is 16.9%.
District level (W32-W34)
Due to localised increases in the number of cases in certain districts, an increase has been observed in the overall number of cases at country level between W32 and W34 (figures for W35 are still not complete).
The increase in suspected cholera cases from W32 to W34 has been reported in seven governorates: Al-Hudaydah, Al Jawf, Al Mahwit, Ibb, Dhamar, Al Bayda and Aden.
The most concerning increases have been reported in Al Hudaydah, Ibb and Aden governorates, and are particularly localised in the following districts:
• Al Hudaydah: Bajil, Al Khawkhah, Zabid, Ar Marawi’ah and Az Zaydiyah;
• Ibb: Al Qafr, Al Makhadir, Yarim, Ar Radnah, An Nadirah;
• Aden: Dar Sad, Attawahi.
Conclusions and actions taken
WHO is on full alert and is following the evolution of the outbreak each day in close collaboration with local health authorities.
Initial investigations began on 31 August. A key objective is to determine whether the numbers are accurate and whether the increase in suspected cases is, in fact, caused by cholera, another diarrhoeal disease, or another reason.
Three teams of international medical experts and epidemiologists are conducting investigations in Aden, Al-Hudaydah and Ibb governorates.
These teams are traveling out to the worst-affected districts in these three governorates, visiting local health authorities and health facilities to determine the reason for this sudden escalation in suspected cases.
