Cholera Confirmed in Southern Mizoram, Death Toll Reaches Nine
Laboratory tests have officially identified the water-borne disease that has led to multiple fatalities in southern Mizoram as cholera. The confirmation came from the Zoram Medical College & Hospital (ZMC&H) in Falkawn, near Aizawl, as announced by Lawngtlai district deputy commissioner Donny Lalruatsanga on Monday.
Outbreak Details and Laboratory Confirmation
The deadly outbreak has been particularly severe in Kakichhuah village within the Lawngtlai district, which shares a border with Myanmar. Six people have lost their lives in this village alone. The situation was further clarified by Dr. Swagnik Roy, professor and head of the department of microbiology at ZMC&H, who confirmed the disease as cholera. Samples from affected individuals were sent to the hospital's laboratory for testing last week, leading to this definitive diagnosis.
Expanding Impact and Pending Tests
The health crisis has extended beyond Lawngtlai district. The adjoining Siaha district has reported three additional deaths linked to the same outbreak, bringing the total death toll to nine. However, the results for samples sent by Siaha district health officials are still awaited, leaving the official confirmation for that area pending.
Medical experts describe cholera as a form of acute gastroenteritis, a severe gastrointestinal illness. It is caused by the bacterium Vibrio cholerae. The infection is characterized by symptoms including watery diarrhea, vomiting, and rapid dehydration, which can become fatal if not treated promptly. The confirmation of cholera underscores the critical need for clean water access and immediate medical intervention in the affected regions.
