Yemen: Highest daily rise in COVID-19 cases as UN warns of high death rate on June 15 /update 9

Event

The Aden-based Supreme National Emergency Committee for Coronavirus reported 116 new coronavirus disease (COVID-19) cases on Monday, June 15, as well as 44 associated fatalities, representing the highest daily increase in cases recorded. The total number of confirmed cases in the country stands at 844, including 208 fatalities. The official figures do not include densely populated provinces in Houthi-controlled northern Yemen, where cases and deaths are believed to be significantly higher than in government-controlled areas. The announcement came as the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) issued a warning over the fatality rate, stating that it is four times higher than the global average, at almost 25 percent. Experts believe that the number of cases in Yemen may be up to five times higher than reported, with infected individuals reluctant to report their illness until seriously ill.

Authorities in Yemen have closed schools, mosques, and markets in an attempt to limit the spread of COVID-19, with large gatherings also banned. Short-term curfews have previously been imposed in Yemeni cities, although their implementation and other regulations can vary at short notice. Entry by land, sea, and air is currently suspended, with exceptions for humanitarian relief and essential goods.

Further spread of the disease is expected in the near term.

Context

The first case of COVID-19 was reported on December 31 and the source of the outbreak has been linked to a wet market in Wuhan (Hubei province, China). Human-to-human and patient-to-medical staff transmission of the virus have been confirmed. Many of the associated fatalities have been due to pneumonia caused by the virus.

Cases of the virus have been confirmed in numerous countries and territories worldwide. Virus-screening and quarantining measures are being implemented at airports worldwide, as well as extensive travel restrictions. On March 11, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the global outbreak a pandemic.

Pneumonia symptoms include dry cough, chest pain, fever, and trouble breathing. Pneumonia can be contagious and can be transmitted from human to human. The influenza virus, or the flu, is a common cause of viral pneumonia.

Advice

Measures adopted by local authorities evolve quickly, and are usually effective immediately. Depending on the evolution of the outbreak in other countries, authorities are likely to modify, at very short notice, the list of countries whose travelers are subject to border control measures or entry restrictions upon their arrival to the territory in question. It is advised to postpone nonessential travel due to the risk that travelers may be refused entry or be subject to quarantine upon their arrival or during their stay.

To reduce the risk of transmission, travelers are advised to abide by the following measures:

• Frequently clean hands by applying an alcohol-based hand rub or washing with soap and water.
• When coughing and sneezing, cover mouth and nose with a flexed elbow or tissue; if used, throw the tissue away immediately and wash hands.
• If experiencing a fever, cough, difficulty breathing, or any other symptoms suggestive of respiratory illness, including pneumonia, call emergency services before going to the doctor or hospital to prevent the potential spread of the disease.