HSE Report on the Latest Status of Cholera in Iran, the Region, and the World: Emphasis on Health and Preventive Measures

The Center for Communicable Disease Management of the Ministry of Health and Medical Education, in its latest fact sheet, has outlined the most recent status of cholera at the global, regional, and national levels, emphasizing the necessity of strengthening health measures, water safety, and environmental risk management.

According to Mehr News Agency, citing Webda, the report indicates that during December 2025, a total of 17,327 new cases of cholera or acute watery diarrhea were reported from 16 countries and territories across three World Health Organization (WHO) regions, representing a 25% decrease compared to November. Nevertheless, cholera remains a significant HSE-related public health threat, particularly in areas with limited access to safe drinking water and adequate environmental sanitation.

Regional Situation: Continued Risk in the Eastern Mediterranean

Based on the report, the Eastern Mediterranean Region recorded the highest number of cases, with 9,198 cases reported from five countries. This was followed by the African Region with 8,062 cases from ten countries, and the South-East Asia Region with 67 cases from one country. During this period, no cholera cases were reported from the Western Pacific Region or the Region of the Americas.

Within the Eastern Mediterranean Region, despite a 35% reduction in cases compared to the previous month, Afghanistan (6,601 cases), Yemen (1,521 cases), and Pakistan (704 cases) continue to be identified as major cholera hotspots. This situation highlights the urgent need to reinforce HSE-related infrastructure, including safe water supply, sanitation systems, wastewater management, and public health education in these countries and neighboring areas.

National Situation in Iran: Increase in Acute Watery Diarrhea and Effective Cholera Control

At the national level, the report states that from the beginning of Farvardin until 30 Azar 1404 (Iranian calendar), a total of 314,963 cases of acute watery diarrhea were recorded within the national surveillance system and assessed for possible cholera infection. This figure represents a 15% increase compared to the same period in the previous year, serving as an HSE warning signal regarding water hygiene, food safety, and environmental health conditions.

During this period, stool cultures for Vibrio cholerae were performed for 162,776 patients presenting with acute watery diarrhea. Ultimately, five cases of cholera were laboratory-confirmed, all through culture-based diagnostic methods.

Epidemiological Findings and HSE Considerations

Field investigations conducted to identify the source of infection revealed that:

• Three cases were classified as imported, and
• Two cases were classified as locally transmitted within the country.

The locally transmitted cases occurred in the jurisdictions of Golestan University of Medical Sciences and Ahvaz University of Medical Sciences (one case each). Imported cases were identified under Babol University of Medical Sciences (two cases) and Tabriz University of Medical Sciences (one case).

Conclusion and Health and Safety Recommendations

While emphasizing the effective control of cholera cases within the country, the Ministry of Health has stressed the continued importance of adhering to HSE principles, including:

• Ensuring access to safe drinking water,
• Improving food safety and hygiene,
• Proper wastewater and solid waste management, and
• Enhancing public awareness and health education.

The Ministry noted that the sustained implementation of these measures plays a critical role in preventing the occurrence and spread of waterborne diseases, particularly cholera.