In January 2024, more than 40,000 cholera cases were reported worldwide. The World Health Organization (WHO) highlighted this in its monthly update released on February 12, underscoring a persistent pattern of transmission at the start of the year. The report notes that 40,900 new infections occurred in January across 17 countries spanning four regions: Africa, the Eastern Mediterranean, the Americas, and Southeast Asia, illustrating how cholera remained a global health concern in the opening weeks of 2024.
Across the entire year of 2023, the global toll of cholera surpassed 700,000 reported infections, reflecting periods of intensified transmission in multiple settings. These figures emphasize the ongoing need for robust water and sanitation systems, rapid outbreak response, and sustained vaccination efforts where appropriate. (Source: World Health Organization, 2024 update)
Earlier in December, the WHO reported more than 610,000 cholera cases from January 1 to November 15, 2023, highlighting a substantial portion of the year with elevated activity. This back-to-back seasonal data points stress the importance of preparedness, especially in regions with limited access to clean water, reliable sanitation, and healthcare services. (Source: World Health Organization, 2023 report)
In late 2023 and into early 2024, discussions in public health circles also touched on risk assessments for different regions. For instance, discussions around Russia noted that while cholera transmission remained unlikely under current water and food safety conditions, authorities continued to stress the importance of safe water and proper food handling practices to prevent any localized outbreaks should imports, climate shifts, or other factors alter risk. This serves as a reminder that even countries with strong water quality controls must maintain vigilance, especially in the face of seasonal changes or border movements that can influence disease dynamics. (Source: public health briefings, 2023–2024)
On a different note, medical professionals have continued to debunk common myths about respiratory infections in children, including unfounded links between asthma and severe Covid-19.Experts reiterate that asthma does not inherently predispose children to worse covid outcomes, and management of asthma should follow established guidelines that focus on control of symptoms, regular monitoring, and caution with any new respiratory infections. This clarification helps families in Canada, the United States, and beyond avoid unnecessary concerns and ensures attention remains on proven preventive measures and treatments. (Source: health authorities and pediatric associations, 2023–2024)