Cholera in Yemen

The World Health Organization warned that cholera is spreading in Yemen at an alarming rate, as at least 250 people died of the disease there in May. The majority of the cases have occurred in the capital, Sana’a. 

Cholera causes intense vomiting and diarrhea and, if left untreated, can kill infected people within hours by causing extreme dehydration. It is spread via contaminated water and food but is easily treated with antibiotics.

A civil war in Yemen, ongoing since March 2015, has resulted in the deaths of more than 8,000 people, with more than 40,000 others injured. The US Department of State warns against all travel to Yemen because of the ongoing conflict as well as terrorist activities.

The UN estimates that as many as 19 million people in Yemen are in need of humanitarian aid due to the effects of a famine and of a Saudi-led naval blockade.