Epidemiological Features of Cholera in Hodeidah, Yemen 2017: A Retrospective Study
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.59846/ajbas.v4i1.691Abstract
Background: Cholera, a severe diarrheal disease caused by Vibrio cholerae (V. cholerae) , continues to pose a significant global health threat, particularly in regions experiencing war and humanitarian crises. The 2017 cholera outbreak in Hodeidah, Yemen, disproportionately impacted vulnerable populations, particularly children under five. Systemic challenges such as inadequate water sanitation, poor access to healthcare, and deteriorated infrastructure, exacerbated by ongoing war, contributed to the outbreak.
Objective: This study aimed to describe the epidemiological features of cholera outbreak in Hodeidah, Yemen, 2017 (Second Wave).
Methods: The study was designed in a retrospective study and included 17,821 cases at the Diarrhea Treatment Center (DTC) in collaboration with the Center of Tropical Medicine and Infectious Diseases (CTMES), Al-Thawra Public Hospital Authority, the study utilized both descriptive and inferential statistical methods to analyze demographic characteristics, geographic distribution, dehydration severity, and patient outcomes. Statistical Packaging for Social Sciences (SPSS) software was employed for data analysis, with findings presented in tables for clarity and interpretation.
Results: The results showed that males were 7,946 cases (44.6 %) and the females constituted 9,875 cases (55.4 %). Severe dehydration was observed in 41 % of cases, underscoring the demand for intensive care resources. Urban districts, particularly Al Hali, Al Hawak, and Al Mina, accounted for 87 %, reflecting stark disparities in healthcare access. The overall attack rate (AR) in Hodeidah was 0.53 % , while in urban districts was reported 2.4 % and rural districts was 0.08 %. The case fatality rates (CFR %) were 0.22 % in urban areas and 0.24 % in rural areas while the overall CFR was 0.22 % .
Conclusion: The study emphasizes that cholera remains a serious public health threat in Yemen, especially in Hodeidah, where war and a fragile healthcare system worsen the crisis. Women are disproportionately affected due to greater exposure to contaminated water. Urban districts like Al Hali, Al Hawak, and Al Mina report the highest number of cases, while rural areas face higher death rates due to limited healthcare access. The DTC maintained a CFR below 1%. The study calls for improved water sanitation, expanded healthcare access, vaccination programs, and stronger disease surveillance.
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