Cholera outbreak in Yemen leads to the death of 115 persons

An outbreak of cholera in Yemen has lead to the deaths of about 115 people in just two weeks.Health care facilities have been over flooded with patients in a country where war has lasted for more than two years.


The outbreak which is said to be the second case of cholera in the country in less than a year,is caused by contaminated food,unhygienic environment and unclean water.International relief organizations have warned of an impending humanitarian catastrophic situation and asked everyone to keep a healthy and clean environment.

The ICRC(International committee of the Red Cross)Director of Operations,Dominik Stillhart in a news conference on Sunday in Sanaa said:

''We now are facing a serious outbreak of cholera,about 115 people have died of cholera between April 27 and Saturday,The humanitarian situation in Yemen is catastrophic.

''There are up to four cholera patients in one single bed.There are people in the garden and some even in cars with the IV drip hanging from the window.The ICRC has provided chlorine tablets,oral rehydration salt and IV fluids. 

Stillhart also made it known that.garbage collectors that went on a 10 day pay strike also contributed to the cholera outbreak.

The health chief of Yemen at the World Health Organization.Jameel Nashir also made it known that people must adhere strictly to simple guidelines before consuming any kind of food.

''Residents of Sanaa need to follow the guidelines like cleaning fruits and vegetables very well and not eating uncovered foods that might be polluted.

''Additionally,they should use good water from sources that are safe and away from the polluted areas.''