Health officials in Yemen reported another 18,000 cholera cases during the week ending May 5, bringing the total suspected cases to 668,891 through the first four months of the year.

In addition, 1,081 cholera-associated deaths were reported during this period.

The governorates reporting the highest number of suspected cases of cholera during 2019 were Amanat Al Asimah (50,166), Sana’a (36,527), Al Hudaydah (30,925), Ibb (26,421), Dhamar (26,421) and Arman (25,244).

Cholera is a diarrheal illness caused by bacteria ingested via food or water. It spreads in areas that lack good water and sewage systems. It mainly affects low income countries.

disease continues to be a major public health problem. 1.3 billion people are at risk of infection in the 69 countries where cholera exists today.

AFP.