Attachments
Overview
Data as of 29 February 2024
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In February 2024 (corresponding to the epidemiological weeks from 5 to 8), a total of 37 269 new cholera cases were reported from 20 countries across three WHO regions, showing a 12% decrease over the previous month. The Eastern Mediterranean region registered the highest number of cases, followed by the African region, and South-East Asia regions. The period also saw 322 cholera-related deaths reported. For the latest data, please refer to the WHO Global Cholera and AWD Dashboard.
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In February 2024, Comoros reported its first cholera outbreak since 2008, following the arrival of a traveller from Tanzania who is suspected to have died from the disease. Overall, 132 confirmed cases and six deaths have been reported from the country as of 28 February. This resurgence highlights the risk of spread to nearby islands like Mayotte and Madagascar.
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Since the beginning of 2023, a cumulative total 787 813 cholera cases and 5586 deaths have been reported from 31 countries across five WHO regions, with the Eastern Mediterranean region recording the highest numbers, followed by the African, South-East Asia, Americas, and Western Pacific regions. No outbreaks have been reported in the European Region during this period.
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The global cholera response continues to be affected by a critical shortage of Oral Cholera Vaccines (OCV). From January 2023 to February 2024, requests for OCV have surged, with 79 million doses requested by 14 countries, double the 40 million doses available during that period. The global stockpile of vaccines is awaiting replenishment and all production up to 4 March has been allocated to requests already approved.
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WHO classified the global resurgence of cholera as a grade 3 emergency in January 2023, its highest internal level for emergencies. Based on the number of outbreaks and their geographic expansion, alongside the shortage of vaccines and other resources, WHO continues to assess the risk at the global level as very high and the event remains classified as a grade 3 emergency.
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WHO continues to work with partners at the global, regional, and country levels to support Member States in responding to the outbreaks.
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The dynamics of cholera outbreaks are increasingly complex due to factors that transcend national boundaries, such as population mobility, natural disasters, and climate change. The risk of transnational transmission is often heightened by porous borders with numerous unofficial entry points, inadequate surveillance at border areas, and limited awareness in cholera-affected communities. To address these challenges, countries must prioritize cross-border collaboration by establishing real-time data sharing mechanisms, harmonizing surveillance systems, pooling resources, and implementing joint preparedness and response interventions.