Two new cholera cases confirmed in Garmian

SULAYMANIYAH – Health authorities in the Garmian Independent Administration have confirmed two new cases of cholera, bringing the total number of cases in the Sulaymaniyah Governorate to ten. The latest cases were reported following eight earlier cases recorded in Sulaymaniyah city on August 24.

Dr. Sirwan Mohammed, Director General of Garmian Health, told 964media, “This week, we documented two cases of cholera among residents in Garmian, involving two women from Kalar and Kifr districts. The patients are currently in stable condition and receiving care at home.” He added that both patients showed mild symptoms, which were later confirmed as cholera.

Dr. Mohammed emphasized the importance of public adherence to health guidelines and personal hygiene measures to prevent further spread of the disease. “We have dispatched two health teams to the affected households to conduct tests on family members and close contacts,” he said, noting that this is part of the effort to identify any additional cases or trace the source of the infection.

The Garmian Health Directorate has urged residents to follow strict precautions, such as maintaining personal hygiene, ensuring the cleanliness of water sources, thoroughly washing fruits and vegetables, and avoiding food from vendors. Health officials also recommend visiting the hospital if anyone experiences severe diarrhea or other related symptoms.

Meanwhile, in Sulaymaniyah, where the eight cholera cases have been confirmed, health officials continue to enforce stringent preventive measures. Rizgar Ali, 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 discharged home.”

In contrast, Erbil’s health authorities have reported no current cases of cholera. However, to maintain control and prevent potential outbreaks, six specialized committees have been established to monitor health threats in the governorate. Berivan Asadi, Director of Health and Safety in Erbil, emphasized the importance of preventive measures, particularly in the food service sector. “We have instructed all restaurants, especially those serving fresh produce, to ensure that vegetables are thoroughly washed and that staff maintain strict hygiene practices,” Asadi told 964media. She also urged the public to be vigilant and only consume properly cleaned vegetables, especially when dining out.

Cholera is a highly contagious disease transmitted through contaminated food or water and 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.