The ongoing cholera outbreak in Syria poses a significant public health threat that requires immediate and comprehensive attention. The spread of the outbreak is attributed to a combination of factors, including displacement due to armed conflict, chronic water insecurity, inadequate water, sanitation, and hygiene infrastructure, climate change-induced droughts, weakened health system capacity, and political instability. The recent earthquake in the region has further complicated the situation, potentially leading to a surge in cholera cases. The limited capacity of the Syrian health system to handle the cholera outbreak, especially after the earthquake, highlights the urgent need for external support. The political instability in the country has hampered effective responses to the outbreak, contributing to the spread of the disease beyond Syria’s borders. It is imperative to prioritize aid to address the fragmented response and provide the necessary resources for comprehensive and effective cholera prevention and control measures. The situation calls for an integrated, multi-sectoral approach that prioritizes economic development, universal access to sustainable safe drinking water, and adequate sanitation. Additionally, community engagement and education are essential for effective disease prevention and control. In conclusion, the ongoing cholera outbreak in Syria is a complex issue that requires urgent attention and action. The combination of armed conflict, water insecurity, climate change, and political instability have contributed to the spread of the disease, further compounded by the recent earthquake. To effectively address the outbreak and prevent its further spread, a comprehensive and integrated approach is needed, with support from the international community.
Cholera is an acute type of diarrheal disease caused by intestinal infection with the toxin-producing bacteria Vibrio cholerae. The disease is still endemic in almost 69 countries, accounting for around 2.86 million cases and 95,000 deaths annually. Cholera is associated with poor infrastructure, and lack of access to sanitation and clean drinking water. The current cholera outbreak in Syria is associated with more than 10 years of conflict, which has devastated infrastructures and health services. There were 132,782 suspected cases reported between August 25, 2022 and May 20, 2023 in all 14 governorates, including 104 associated deaths. The recent earthquake in the region has complicated the situation, with an increase in cholera cases, and hindrance to a response to the disease. Climate change has driven a number of large cholera outbreaks around the world this year. The World Health Organization prequalifies three oral cholera vaccines. Cholera treatment mainly depends on rehydration, with the use of antibiotics in more severe infections. This review gives an overview of cholera bacteriology, pathogenesis, epidemiology, clinical manifestations, diagnosis, management, and prevention in light of global climate change and the ongoing outbreak in Syria, which poses a significant public health threat that requires urgent attention.
