International Red Cross: Thousands of Yemenis Infected with Cholera, Dozens Have Died So Far

One day after the declaration of a state of emergency in Yemen's capital, the International Red Cross announced that 184 people in Yemen have died due to cholera, and at least 11,000 suspected cases of the disease have been reported from across the country. The predominantly Houthi rebels of Yemen, who are supported by Iranian officials, declared a state of emergency in the capital, Sana'a, on May 13. Sana'a is currently under the control of the rebels, who are fighting against a coalition led by Saudi Arabia and forces supporting Abdrabbuh Mansur Hadi, the President of Yemen. The battles in Yemen have left over 10,000 dead and millions displaced. The conflicts have also destroyed a large part of the country's infrastructure, including relief centers and hospitals. Currently, there are only a few active treatment centers, and according to United Nations estimates, two-thirds of Yemeni citizens lack access to clean water. The deadly cholera disease is caused by the bacterium Vibrio cholerae and can enter the body through contaminated water or by consuming contaminated vegetables or undercooked seafood. The disease begins with severe diarrhea. The International Red Cross stated on May 14 that in the past three weeks, 184 people have died due to severe diarrhea, and 11,000 suspected cases of cholera have been reported from across Yemen. The Ministry of Health in Yemen's capital has reported over 8,000 identified cases of cholera. This organization has also declared a state of emergency and called for international aid to prevent what it has termed an 'unprecedented disaster.' The World Health Organization states that 7.6 million Yemenis live in areas at high risk of cholera infection.