KATHMANDU, Aug 10: The cases of cholera have now spread to five districts across Nepal, with 47 confirmed cases reported so far.

According to the Epidemiology and Disease Control Division, the waterborne disease has been detected in Lalitpur, Kathmandu, Kailali, Pyuthan, and Rupandehi districts.

Lalitpur has reported the highest number of cases, with 34, followed by Kailali with eight, Kathmandu and Pyuthan with two each, and Rupandehi with one.

Cholera, an acute diarrheal disease, can be fatal within hours if left untreated. It primarily affects populations with inadequate access to safe water and sanitation. Contributing factors such as conflict, unplanned urbanization, and climate change further elevate the risk of cholera outbreaks.

The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that cholera causes between 1.3 to 4.0 million cases and 21,000 to 143,000 deaths globally each year. While many infected individuals exhibit mild or no symptoms, most cases can be effectively treated with oral rehydration solutions.