Erbil reports no cholera cases after Sulaymaniyah outbreak confirmed

ERBIL — Health authorities in Erbil have confirmed that there are currently no reported cases of cholera in the governorate, contrasting with eight confirmed cases in nearby Sulaymaniyah. To maintain control over the situation, Erbil has established six specialized committees focused on monitoring potential health threats.

Berivan Asadi, Director of Health and Safety in Erbil, emphasized the preventive measures being taken, particularly in the food service sector. “We have instructed all restaurants, especially those serving fresh products, to ensure that vegetables are thoroughly washed and that staff adhere to strict hygiene practices,” Asadi told 964media. She also urged the public to be cautious and consume only properly cleaned vegetables, particularly when dining out.

Addressing concerns about a potential ban on vegetable sales, Asadi clarified, “There is no decision to ban the sale or use of vegetables at this time. Our main concern was with produce coming from areas like Koya and Taq Taq, where water quality was initially a concern. However, we have since confirmed that they are now using safe water.”

In Sulaymaniyah, where the eight cholera cases have been confirmed, health officials continue to enforce strict preventative measures. Rizgar Ali, the Director of Health and Safety in Sulaymaniyah, reassured the public at a press conference on Sunday. “No deaths have occurred due to dehydration or cholera during this period. Those who had contracted cholera have recovered and have been sent home,” he stated.

Ali also noted that several other suspected cases of cholera have been identified, with samples sent to Baghdad for further testing to confirm diagnoses.

Cholera is a highly contagious disease transmitted through contaminated food or water, can be fatal within hours if untreated. The World Health Organization highlights that prevention and control measures are crucial and include enhanced surveillance, improved water, sanitation, and hygiene practices, community engagement, appropriate treatment, and the use of oral cholera vaccines. Annually, cholera affects between 1.3 million to 4 million people globally, resulting in 21,000 to 143,000 deaths.