Almost 52,000 cases of cholera were reported from 17 countries around the world in July, up 15% on the month, the World Health Organization reported in Geneva on Thursday. Deaths were reported in 223 cases, 34% up on the month. The bacterial infection in the small intestine spreads through food and water that has been contaminated, often by human faeces. If left untreated, it can cause death within hours, particularly to children. The Eastern Mediterranean Region recorded the highest numbers at around 43,500. The region takes in 21 countries from Pakistan through Afghanistan and Iran up to Mor…