Researchers are using satellite and ground data to forecast the risk of cholera in the country, which has consistently experienced cases since 2017.
In 2017, Yemen experienced one of its worst cholera outbreaks on record. Following heavy rains, flooding, and mass movement of the population due to civil unrest, more than one million people were suspected of contracting cholera and at least 2,000 died. A few scientists saw it coming, and they are now working to make sure people are prepared for future cholera outbreaks in Yemen and around the world.
Cholera is a waterborne bacterial infection that can spread quickly through a population. The disease is primarily contracted by consuming water or food contaminated with the cholera bacteria, Vibrio cholerae. It causes uncontrollable diarrhea that, if left untreated, can result in dehydration or death.
A team of NASA-funded researchers has been using satellite and ground-based data to forecast the risk of cholera in Yemen and other countries.
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Image via NASA Earth Observatory
