Myanmar: Cholera outbreak in Yangon

Health authorities in Myanmar report a cholera outbreak in the most populous city of Yangon.

Since August 9, 500 people have been hospitalized for severe diarrhea, with 149 people testing positive for cholera using rapid tests. Nine cases have been formally confirmed as Vibrio cholerae by the National Health Laboratory, according to officials.

Cholera: A significant global health concern

Yangon has a population of more than 5 million people, the largest city in the country. Years of civil war have placed severe strain on the country’s healthcare system and other essential infrastructure.

Cholera is an acute diarrheal infection caused by consuming food or water contaminated with the bacterium Vibrio cholerae.

Cholera can cause severe acute watery diarrhea, which can be fatal within hours if untreated.

Most people with the disease have mild or moderate symptoms. A minority of patients develop severe acute watery diarrhea and life-threatening dehydration.

Cholera is an easily treatable disease. Most people can be treated successfully with prompt oral rehydration solution (ORS) administration.

Preventing and controlling cholera involves a combination of strengthening surveillance, improving water, sanitation and hygiene, increasing risk communication and community engagement, improving access to quality treatment and implementing oral cholera vaccine campaigns.