Cholera: a public health threat that still causes devastating outbreaks

Nearly a million people are currently suffering from cholera in Yemen, a worrying reminder that cholera remains a topical issue and a serious and fatal public health problem. Often thought of as an ancient disease, cholera is an acute intestinal infection caused by the Vibrio cholerae bacterium. Since the early 19th century, there have been seven cholera pandemics around the globe, resulting in millions of deaths. Scientists proved just a few weeks ago that the seventh cholera pandemic (which is still raging in Africa since 1971) originated in Asia, and that most antibiotic-resistant strains are of Asian origin, like the majority of antibiotic-resistant strains isolated on this continent.

Find out more (in French)