The number of cholera cases reported to the World Health Organization (WHO) more than doubled last year. The WHO reported in Geneva that around 470,000 cases were reported in 2022. The year before, there were a good 220,000. However, the overall data situation is still insufficient. The organization previously estimated 1.3 to 4 million cases of illness and up to 143,000 deaths each year.
2022 larger-than-normal eruptions
The WHO has now announced that there were particularly large outbreaks of diarrheal diseases in 2022 than in the previous year. Afghanistan, Cameroon, Democratic Republic of Congo, Malawi, Nigeria, Somalia and Syria were particularly affected. “The larger the outbreak, the more difficult it will be to control,” says the WHO. Cholera outbreaks are closely linked to inadequate drinking water supplies, poverty and conflict.
Cholera often follows natural disasters
A total of 44 countries reported cases of cholera, nine more than the previous year. 2,349 deaths were reported to WHO. Current data for 2023 suggests that the global rise in cholera numbers continues, the WHO said. Currently, 24 countries say they have outbreaks.
Cholera often appears after natural disasters, such as earthquakes, typhoons or floods. Recently, fears were raised that the disease could emerge following floods in Libya. The highly contagious diarrheal disease is caused by the bacteria Vibrio cholerae, which produces a poison in the intestines. The main causes are drinking water contaminated with feces or vomit from sick people and contaminated food.
Serious infections can be fatal
Many infections have no symptoms. But in severe cases, severe fluid and salt loss can lead to circulatory collapse, muscle cramps and even shock and death within hours. There are also oral cholera vaccines.
(Source: APA)