Yangon cholera outbreak hospitalizes hundreds

Myanmar's largest city, Yangon, is grappling with a severe outbreak of cholera, leading to the hospitalization of 500 people for severe diarrhea since August 9. Of these, nearly 150 have tested positive for the disease, according to a Yangon official.

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

The outbreak underscores the fragility of Myanmar's infrastructure and health sector, which have been significantly strained by over five years of civil war. The conflict has resulted in an estimated 100,000 deaths and a severely weakened economy.

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Rapid tests for cholera had shown 149 positive cases.

Bo Htay, the regional social affairs minister, provided the first official confirmation of cholera involvement, stating that rapid tests showed 149 positive cases. Nine cases were further confirmed by the National Health Laboratory. While a 92-year-old patient died after admission with diarrhea, officials attributed his death to underlying heart and lung conditions. Health personnel are actively engaged in epidemiological surveillance and outbreak-control measures in affected areas.

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Nine of them had been formally confirmed as vibrio cholerae cases by the National Health Laboratory.