Cholera Outbreak and Response in Quara, Ethiopia: February 2025 Update
Ethiopia is facing a cholera outbreak in the Amhara region that has affected 60 woredas since July 2023, with 4,983 cases and 90 deaths reported. A resurgence in January 2025 added 270 cases and five fatalities. International Medical Corps is responding with WASH and health interventions in Quara, working closely with local authorities to address the crisis effectively.
In the Amhara region of Ethiopia, a cholera outbreak has significantly affected public health since its onset on July 15, 2023. The outbreak has spread across 60 woredas within 16 zones, resulting in 4,983 reported cases and 90 fatalities, yielding a case fatality rate (CFR) of 1.81%. A resurgence occurred in January 2025, with an additional 270 cases, leading to five deaths and a CFR of 4.5% as of February 18, 2025.
To address this health crisis, International Medical Corps has deployed teams in Quara woreda since February 12. Collaborating with local authorities, including zonal health offices, they are providing health and water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) interventions at two cholera treatment centers in the region: Bermil CTC and Geligu CTC.
The response has focused on engaging community leaders in Gendu Wuha and Geligu towns. The team has worked closely with the woreda health office, the Public Health Emergency Management team, and the local water bureau to develop effective intervention strategies. Historical data indicate recurring cholera outbreaks in Quara, with the latest surge attributed to the Bermil site, where initial cases were first reported.
As of early January 2025, the Bermil cholera treatment center had recorded 181 cases, which further emphasizes the urgent need for coordinated efforts to combat the increasing incidence of cholera in the area. Continued advocacy for effective interventions and community collaboration is critical to controlling the disease and safeguarding the health of affected populations.
The cholera outbreak in Quara, Ethiopia, has raised serious public health concerns, prompting urgent response measures from International Medical Corps and local authorities. The resurgence of cases in early 2025 underscores the necessity for effective health interventions and community engagement to prevent further spread and mitigate the impact of cholera. Sustained efforts will be vital in managing this ongoing health crisis and protecting at-risk populations.
Original Source: reliefweb.int
