Cholera spreading faster than COVID in Yangon, death toll rises by 1

Another person has died from cholera in Yangon, and the funeral was conducted in the same manner as during the COVID-19 period, according to reports.

On August 20, an 87-year-old elderly man was admitted to Yangon General Hospital with diarrhea and died one day later on August 21, according to sources.

"The hospital volunteers wrapped the body in a black plastic sheet and buried it immediately, they said. They also came and sprayed disinfectant at their homes. They also instructed that the funeral meal should not be prepared with many people. Just like during COVID," a Yangon resident told MyoTaw.

Cholera deaths in Yangon have now reached 2, with the first death on August 11 being a 92-year-old patient, according to reports.

"The other day, I saw a young man who had diarrhea on the bus and passed out. Cholera in Yangon is not under control yet. The health department only announces as if they have it under control. Up to now, there are still many people bedridden in the neighborhoods, and many with seasonal flu mixed with cholera. The situation could get worse," a Yangon resident said.

The number of people seeking hospital treatment for diarrhea in Yangon is extremely high, and the transmission rate is faster than COVID, according to a health department staff member.