Cholera outbreaks have been reported in 31 countries this year, with more than 400K cases and nearly 5K deaths, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). The crisis is being fuelled by conflict, poverty and climate change, leaving millions at risk.
WHO said the situation is «very high risk» and could spread further without urgent action. The worst-hit countries include Chad, the Democratic Republic of Congo, South Sudan, Sudan and the Republic of Congo.
Seven countries now have fatality rates above 1%, showing gaps in medical care and access to clean water. Cross-border migration due to trade, conflict and displacement is also driving the spread.
WHO stressed that safe drinking water, sanitation, vaccination campaigns and better case management are key to stopping the disease. Despite the surge in cases, the organization has not issued travel restrictions.
Cholera, which spreads through contaminated water, can cause severe diarrhoea, vomiting and dehydration. Without treatment, it can be deadly within hours.
Kursiv Uzbekistan also reports that The death toll from Afghanistan’s most devastating earthquake in years has risen to more than 1,100, with thousands more injured and entire villages flattened.
