Incidence of Cholera Outbreak in Hodeidah, Yemen , 2024 : A Technical Report

Abstract

Background: Cholera remains a significant public health concern in Yemen, particularly in regions like Hodeidah, where inadequate sanitation, limited healthcare infrastructure, and socio-economic challenges exacerbate disease transmission. Objective: This study aimed to analyze the epidemiological and clinical characteristics of the 2024 cholera outbreak in Hodeidah, , Yemen (Third Wave). Methods: The study was conducted in a retrospective design (cases series) from January to November 2024 at the Diarrhea Treatment Center (DTC) in collaboration with  the Center of Tropical Medicine and Infectious Diseases (CTMID), Al-Thawra Public Hospital Authority, Hodeidah. Descriptive and inferential statistical methods were applied to analyze data on cholera cases.

Results: A comprehensive analysis of 6,526 cholera cases in Hodeidah revealed that 51.2% of cases were females, while males accounted for 48.8%. A non - significant statistically with gender disparity in cholera incidence was observed (χ² = 4.021, p – value = 0.0449), The age distribution showed that patients over 15 years were disproportionately  affected, representing 62.1% of the total cases. Children aged 1-5 years and 6-15 years accounted for 19.5% and 18.5% of cases, respectively. while the results of age distribution showed the association with cholera incidence (χ² = 2424.837, p – value < 0.00001).  Dehydration severity varied, with 69.3% of cases presenting with severe dehydration, underscoring the need for immediate medical intervention. Urban districts, particularly Al Hawak district reported the highest attack rate (AR = 2.37 %), while the overall of AR in Hodeidah Governorate was 0.19. On the other hand , the case fatality rate (CFR) was less than 1 % about 8/6,526 (0.0012 %). Conclusion: The findings highlight systemic vulnerabilities, including poor sanitation, overcrowding, and limited healthcare access, particularly in urban hotspots. Immediate measures, such as rehydration therapy and vaccination campaigns, coupled with long-term strategies to improve water and sanitation infrastructure, are critical to mitigating future outbreaks in Hodeidah.