Cholera outbreak strains hospitals in Birgunj, Nepal

A severe cholera outbreak in Birgunj, Nepal, overwhelmed hospitals, leading to thousands of hospitalizations and a critical shortage of resources. The outbreak, confirmed in late August, saw patients presenting with severe dehydration. Hospitals struggled to cope with over 100 new severe cases daily, forcing treatment in corridors and on floors. By late September, 1,500 people were hospitalized, with four deaths. A vaccination campaign in mid-October provided relief, with over 723,000 people vaccinated in affected districts.