Oman is cholera-free, officials say after cases in Yemen

Muscat: A cholera outbreak in some governorates in Yemen sparked an immediate reaction from the Ministry of Health (MOH) but fortunately, there have been no cases recorded in the Sultanate.
A report issued by the World Health Organization (WHO) for the Eastern Mediterranean region on 30 October 2016, revealed that Yemen had 1400 suspected cases of cholera.
An official source at the MOH said, “No cholera cases have been recorded in the Sultanate. The MOH is fully ready and prepared to respond to any imported cases of cholera.”
“The degree of readiness has been increased at health establishments by raising the alertness of the medical staff,” added the official.
A team from the Directorate General of Diseases Surveillance and Control visited Dhofar Governorate to review the readiness of health services including entry ports to deal with cholera as well as having a circular issued by the ministry sent to other health institutions.
Cholera is an intestinal disease caused by ingestion of food and water contaminated with the Vibrio Cholera bacterium.
According to WHO, 172,000 of cholera infection cases were recorded globally in 2015 in which 1300 are registered dead.
The MOH calls upon all citizens and residents to adhere to personal and public hygiene, especially hand hygiene, to protect themselves from various diseases and contamination.