The number of cholera cases reported worldwide has increased dramatically

The number of cholera cases reported to the World Health Organization (WHO) more than doubled last year. The WHO reported in Geneva that as many as 470,000 cases would be reported in 2022. Last year there were more than 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 per year.

The WHO has now announced that there have been more particularly large outbreaks of diarrhea in 2022 than in the previous year. Afghanistan, Cameroon, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Malawi, Nigeria, Somalia and Syria were particularly affected. “The larger the outbreak, the more difficult it is to control,” the WHO says. Cholera outbreaks are closely linked to inadequate drinking water supplies, poverty and conflict.

A total of 44 countries reported cholera cases, 9 more than in the previous year. 2,349 deaths were reported to WHO. Current data for 2023 indicate that the global increase in cholera cases continues, the WHO said. Currently, 24 countries indicate current outbreaks.

Cholera often follows natural disasters such as earthquakes, typhoons or floods. Recently, there were fears that the disease could break out following the flood disaster in Libya. The highly contagious diarrheal disease is caused by the bacterium Vibrio cholerae, which produces a toxin in the intestines. The main causes are drinking water contaminated with feces or vomit from sick people, and contaminated food.

Many infections have no symptoms. But in severe cases, the severe fluid and salt loss can lead to circulatory collapse, muscle cramps, and even shock and death within hours. There are also oral vaccinations against cholera. (cst/sda/dpa)