DERA BUGHTI: Cholera epidemic in district Dera Bughti of Balochistan province could not be controlled as the number of cholera affected people on Friday surged to 1700. One girl died due to cholera, rising the death toll to five.

According to Health Department’s sources, 234 new cases of cholera were detected in Pir Koh area of district Dera Bughti, surging thereby the number of affected people to 1700. On the other hand, Chief Minister Balochistan, Mir Abdul Quddus Bizenjo accorded approval for releasing 30 crore additional fund for completing the remaining work of Water Supply Schemes in Dera Bughti.

Cholera is an acute diarrheal illness caused by infection of the intestine with Vibrio cholerae bacteria. People can get sick when they swallow food or water contaminated with cholera bacteria. The infection is often mild or without symptoms, but can sometimes be severe and life-threatening.