The World Health Organization (WHO) reported a significant surge in cholera cases, with 46,364 new cases and 185 deaths across 19 countries, representing a 58% increase from April.
Jerrymusa.com reports that the Eastern Mediterranean Region was particularly affected, with Afghanistan and Pakistan reporting over 13,000 cases each. Since the start of the year, cholera has affected 194,897 people in 24 countries, resulting in 1,932 deaths.
The WHO has categorized the global cholera outbreak as a grade 3 emergency, the highest level of severity, due to the rapid spread of the disease and shortages of vaccines and resources.
Vaccines May Reduce Spread
Despite increased demands for vaccines, production has failed to keep pace, with only 49 million doses produced between January 2023 and May 2024, compared to requests for 92 million doses. As of June 10, global reserves of cholera vaccines stood at 6.2 million doses.
Cholera is a highly infectious and dangerous disease caused by Vibrio cholerae, typically spread through contaminated food and water.