The World Health Organization warns that war-torn Yemen is facing the threat of a cholera epidemic and appealed for $22.35 million to prevent the deadly disease from spreading throughout the country, CBS news agency reported.

The World Health Organization reports 340 suspected cases of acute watery diarrhea. It said 18 of the cases are confirmed to be cholera. WHO Spokeswoman Fadela Chaib says fortunately, none of the sick have died.

“Thanks to our local staff and NGOs [non-governmental organizations] working on the ground, we were able to catch the first cases of cholera and to be able to respond partially, said Chaib. "But, without more generosity from the international community, we may see more cases of cholera spreading in the country — in a country where the health system is really in a very bad situation.”

More than 7.6 million Yemenis are living in areas affected by acute watery diarrhea and cholera. It warns more than three million people displaced by the war are especially vulnerable to the outbreak.

The WHO said less than half of Yemen’s health facilities are functional due to shortages in health staff, medicine and medical supplies. A United Nations-brokered 72-hour cease-fire is supposed to go into effect in Yemen Wednesday, subject to renewal.

Source: MENA