Syria confirms almost 1,400 cholera cases, 49 deaths - Health Ministry

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Confirmed cases of cholera in Syria have reached almost 1,400, and 49 people died since the beginning of the outbreak in September, the Syrian Health Ministry said on Wednesday.

"The total number of confirmed cases has reached 1,398, with 49 deaths," the statement read.

The situation is particularly dire in Aleppo, where confirmed cases have reached 800 to date, the ministry said.

The first cases were detected in Aleppo in August, and the outbreak was declared in September. The disease was already spread in November to 14 provinces in Syria and its neighboring country, Lebanon. UN Operations and Advocacy Division Director Reena Ghelani said on October 25 that there were 24, 000 suspected cases of cholera in Syria and at least 80 cholera-related deaths.

Read: Haiti reports first Cholera death in years

The source of cholera, according to Syrian media reports in October, was believed to be connected to unsafe drinking water, sewage systems, and the use of unclean water for crop irrigation.

Cholera is an acute bacterial infection that is transmitted via contaminated foods or water. 

If left untreated, the disease can be fatal, with the main symptom being severe diarrhea. Most people, however, recover after exhibiting mild symptoms with the help of oral rehydration.

Read: Haiti investigates suspected Cholera cases after one case confirmed