Southwest Arabia Confirms the Most Cholera Cases in 2024

According to the World Health Organization, the Republic of Yemen, a country with 34 million residents located in southern Arabia, has reported the highest burden of cholera this year.

As of December 2024, Yemen had reported 249,900 suspected cases of cholera, with 861 associated fatalities this year, accounting for 35% of the global cholera burden and 18% of global reported mortality.

"The outbreak of waterborne diseases like cholera and acute watery diarrhea imposes an additional burden on an already stressed health system facing multiple disease outbreaks. The WHO and humanitarian actors are strained in their efforts to address the increasing needs due to severe funding shortages," said WHO Representative and Head of Mission in Yemen, Dr Arturo Pesigan, in a media release on December 23, 2024.

Oral cholera vaccination campaigns have protected 3.2 million people in 34 districts of 6 governorates in Yemen.

As of December 18, 2024, the WHO reported that the multi-year cholera vaccine shortage may end.

Cholera vaccines are available in the United States at travel clinics and pharmacies. They are also recommended by the WHO / U.S. CDC for international travelers when visiting cholera outbreak areas.

The CDC also recommends measles, polio, and routine vaccinations before visiting Yemen, 

As of December 23, 2024, the U.S. Department of State maintains a Level 4 Travel Advisory for Yemen that says 'do not travel' to Yemen due to civil unrest.

In the Region of the Americas, the Republic of Haiti has reported active cholera transmission is widespread. The CDC says visitors should avoid unsafe food and water and wash their hands to help prevent cholera. Vaccination may be considered for children and adults traveling to areas of active cholera transmission, such as Port-au-Prince.