A cholera outbreak in northeastern Cambodia has killed54 villagers and left another 827 infected with the deadly bacteria, health officials said. Cholera cases were first reported in northern Ratanakiri province in mid-April, Gerry Pais of Health Unlimited said. "Unless we can bring it under control soon, we could have many more casualties,'' he said. Poor road conditions and distances between villages have frustrated efforts to wipe out the epidemic.
Cholera is caused by a deadly bacteria that flourishes in human waste and spreads quickly in crowded areas with poor sanitation. Symptoms include severe vomiting and diarrhoea. Pais said despite Ratanakiri's low population density, a combination of poor hygiene and a tendency for villagers to eat together allowed the bacteria to spread. Rehydration treatments and antibiotics are being used to treat the sick, and villages are being taught preventive measures, Pais said. One of Cambodia's least populated provinces, Ratanakiri is known for its dense and mountainous jungles.
We are a voice to you; you have been a support to us. Together we build journalism that is independent, credible and fearless. You can further help us by making a donation. This will mean a lot for our ability to bring you news, perspectives and analysis from the ground so that we can make change together.
Comments are moderated and will be published only after the site moderator’s approval. Please use a genuine email ID and provide your name. Selected comments may also be used in the ‘Letters’ section of the Down To Earth print edition.