The World Health Organization (WHO) has warned of a worsening cholera situation, with outbreaks in 31 countries and rising mortality.

“Due to the scale, severity, and interconnectedness of these outbreaks, the risk of further spread within and between countries is extremely high,” the organization said.

According to the UN, the worsening situation is driven by conflicts and poverty, with rural areas and flood-affected regions being the most vulnerable. Cholera is an acute intestinal infection spread through food and water contaminated with bacteria, often from fecal matter.

From January 1 to August 17, the World Health Organization recorded 409,222 cases and 4,738 deaths worldwide. Although the number of cases is 20% lower compared to the same period last year, mortality has increased by 46%.

Cholera is gaining ground in several countries that have not reported significant cases for years, such as the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Chad, where the highest death rates are currently reported — 7.7% and 6.8%, respectively.

Without adequate treatment, cholera can kill within hours, but standard oral rehydration and antibiotics in severe cases are effective.

Since 2021, there has been a global increase in cholera cases and an expansion of its geographic spread. | BGNES