Since July 2023, a cholera outbreak in Quara, Ethiopia, has resulted in thousands of cases and fatalities. The initial outbreak affected 60 districts, with a reported CFR of 1.81%. A resurgence in January 2025 resulted in additional cases and a CFR increase to 4.5%. International Medical Corps is actively responding through collaboratives and health interventions.
A cholera outbreak commenced in the West Gondar Zone of Amhara on July 15, 2023, significantly affecting 60 woredas across 16 zones of Ethiopia. By August 29, 2023, there were 4,983 reported cases and 90 fatalities, yielding a case fatality rate (CFR) of 1.81%. This resurgence of the outbreak in January 2025 has led to 270 additional cases and five deaths as of February 18, resulting in a higher CFR of 4.5%.
The International Medical Corps has been active in Ethiopia since 2003, providing crucial health services, including nutrition, maternal health, and water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) interventions. In February 2025, they began collaborating with local health offices and authorities to address the cholera crisis in Quara woreda, specifically at the Bermil and Geligu cholera treatment centers (CTCs).
In response to the cholera outbreak in Quara, teams conducted visits to Gendu Wuha and Geligu towns to engage with community leaders and local authorities. They worked closely with the woreda health office and the Public Health Emergency Management team to develop effective intervention strategies. The Quara woreda has historically experienced recurrent cholera outbreaks, particularly since the initial reports from the Bermil St. George Holy Water site in July 2023.
As of February 2025, the majority of new cholera cases are traced back to the Bermil area or involve individuals with recent travel to that site. By January 2025, the Bermil cholera treatment center had recorded 181 cases with a heightened CFR of 4.5%, indicating a need for urgent action to curb the outbreak through effective community engagement and intervention strategies.
The cholera outbreak in Quara has raised substantial public health concerns, necessitating concerted efforts from local and international organizations. International Medical Corps has mobilized resources to address the outbreak by enhancing health and WASH services in the affected areas. Timely interventions and community collaboration remain critical in controlling the spread of cholera and safeguarding the health of vulnerable populations.
Original Source: reliefweb.int
