The disease has spread to 26 countries

The World Health Organization announces an increase in cholera cases and deaths worldwide

Yesterday, a World Health Organization official said that cholera cases have risen this year, especially in areas plagued by poverty and conflict, with outbreaks recorded in 26 countries, and a sharp rise in death rates.

In normal years, the incidence of infection with the disease, which is transmitted by eating contaminated food or water, and can cause acute diarrhea, was limited to less than 20 countries.

"After years of low numbers, we are witnessing a very worrying increase in cholera outbreaks globally in the year now," Philip Barbosa, head of the WHO's cholera team, told a news briefing in Geneva.

He added that the average death rate so far this year has almost tripled compared to the five-year average, and is currently 3% in Africa.

Although most people who contract cholera have mild or no symptoms, the disease can lead to death within hours if left untreated.

At least 33 people have already died in Syria from a cholera outbreak, posing a threat to the frontlines of the country's 11-year-old war and raising fears in overcrowded camps for displaced people.

Barbosa also expressed concern about the outbreak in the Horn of Africa and areas in Asia, including Pakistan, where some areas were inundated.

He said that there are only a few million doses of vaccines available for use before the end of this year, pointing to problems including the lack of manufacturers.

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