An investigation into an increase in diarrhoea cases in the last week of 2009 has confirmed an outbreak of cholera in southern Laos. In the last week, 180 cases of severe diarrhoea occurred in 13 villages of Sekong province. Dehydration from cholera has lead to 2 fatalities thus far. Contaminated water is thought to be the source of infection but confirmation is pending. Clinical management, education to prevent the spread and infection control plans are being put in place to manage the outbreak. Health centres in affected areas are being equipped with oral rehydration solutions to treat the ill.
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In Cambodia, cholera infections over the past 45 days in diverse locations of the country have led the Ministry of Health to warn of a larger outbreak. Once again, exposure to contaminated water has been thought to be the source of infection and those experiencing severe diarrhoea and vomiting have been asked to attend a hospital or medical facility. One fatality has been reported to date, a 28 year old from the Russey keo district of the capital city, Phnom Penh, who was initially admitted to hospital with diarrhoea and vomiting.

source: The Phnom Penh Post, Monday, 11th January 2010