Cholera Vaccine Supplies Increase, But So Do Fatalities

Throughout the current (7th) cholera epidemic, considered to have started in 1961, access to vaccines has been essential. Over recent months, oral cholera vaccine (OCV) supply has been essentially depleted, leading to additional cholera outbreaks.

As of December 18, 2024, the World Health Organization (CDC) reported the OCV shortage may be ending, but over the past month, cholera outbreaks have remained severe in many countries.

The WHO's multi-country outbreak of cholera, External Situation Report #21, revealed a cumulative total of 733,956 cholera cases, and 5,162 fatalities were reported in 2024. These data are 37% and 27% higher, respectively, compared to the same month in 2023.

Across five WHO regions, 33 countries have reported cholera outbreaks this year. Since the last WHO report, new cholera outbreaks have been reported in Cameroon, Mozambique, Uganda, and Zimbabwe. 

In the Region of the Americas, Haiti documented 10,556 cholera cases and 162 fatalities this year.

Nearly all cholera cases reported in the U.S. are acquired during international travel. As of week #47, seven cholera cases were reported this year. In 2023, there were 17 cases.

Seperately, the WHO reported that in November, OVC production reached its highest level since 2013, driven by new formulations and production methods and vaccine prequalifying this year. 

This increase allowed the average OCV stock to rise to 3.5 million doses in November 2024, compared to 600,000 in October.

This is closer to the five million doses needed for an emergency stockpile at all times for effective outbreak response. However, the WHO writes that increased production has not met the rising global demand. This persistent shortage continues to hinder efforts to control cholera outbreaks and respond promptly to the disease's spread.

In the United States, cholera vaccines are readily available at travel clinics and pharmacies in 2024.