NewsDesk @bactiman63

In a follow-up on the cholera outbreak in Iraq, the Ministry of Health has reported 1,008 total cholera cases across the country, including five deaths.

Iraq map/CIA

The Iraq cholera outbreak was announced on June 19.

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.