Multi-country outbreak of cholera, External situation report #19 - 18 October 2024

Overview

From 1 January to 29 September 2024, a cumulative total of 439 724 cholera cases and 3432 deaths were reported globally across five WHO regions. Although the number of cases in 2024 is 16% lower than last year, the 126% spike in deaths is deeply concerning. The increase in mortality may partly be attributed to the specific locations of these outbreaks, which include conflict-affected areas where access to healthcare is severely compromised, regions experiencing massive flooding that has damaged critical infrastructure, and areas with inadequate medical facilities. These challenges are particularly pronounced in rural and remote regions, where delays in accessing treatment are common due to poor infrastructure and limited healthcare resources.

Since the last report, new cholera outbreaks have been reported in Niger (705 cases and 17 deaths) and Thailand (five cases with no deaths), pushing the total number of affected countries in 2024 to 30.

As of 14 October, the global stockpile of Oral Cholera Vaccine is depleted, with no remaining doses available. Although more doses are expected in the coming weeks, this shortage poses significant challenges to outbreak response efforts and hampers efforts to control the spread of the disease.