Hundreds hospitalised in Yangon cholera outbreak: minister

Yangon, Myanmar's largest city, is grappling with a significant cholera outbreak, with 500 people hospitalized for severe diarrhea and 149 testing positive for the disease. The regional social affairs minister, Bo Htay, provided the first official confirmation of cholera's involvement.

Rapid tests indicated 149 positive cases, and the National Health Laboratory has since confirmed nine cases of vibrio cholerae. Cholera, a severe diarrheal infection spread through contaminated food or water, can be fatal if not treated promptly. The World Health Organization identifies it as a global public health threat linked to inequity and underdevelopment.

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Since Aug 9, 500 people have been hospitalised for diarrhoea, the key symptom of cholera.

The outbreak has further burdened Myanmar's already fragile infrastructure and health system, which have been severely impacted by over five years of civil war. The minister reported that over 100 new patients were admitted last Thursday, though new cases have since declined. One 92-year-old patient died, though officials cited underlying heart and lung conditions as the cause, not solely the diarrhea.

Health personnel are actively engaged in epidemiological surveillance and outbreak-control measures in the affected areas. The situation highlights the ongoing public health challenges faced by the nation amidst its protracted internal conflict and economic struggles.

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a global public health threat and indicates inequity and lack of social and economic development