By NewsDesk  @bactiman63

The Philippines Department of Health reported nearly 1,200 additional confirmed cholera cases in the past month.

Image/Howard the Duck

As of October 15, the case tally was 4,102. Through November 12, health authorities have reported 5,291.

The 5,291 cases reported from Jan 1- Nov. 12 is a 283 percent increase compared to the same time in 2021 (1,381).

The Eastern Visayas Region accounts for 60 percent of the country’s cases with 3,213. The Davao Region has seen 768 cases, the second most.

Officials report 62 deaths due to cholera year to date. This is a 416 percent increase in deaths compared to the 12 deaths reported last year.

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Cholera is an acute diarrheal illness caused by infection of the intestine with the bacterium Vibrio cholerae. Cholera is spread through contaminated food or water.

It usually takes 2-3 days for symptoms to appear after ingesting cholera bacteria, ranging from a few hours to 5 days.

Cholera can cause large amounts of watery diarrhea (described as a rice-water stool), nausea, and vomiting. Rapid loss of body fluids can lead to dehydration, shock, and even death.