FACTBOX: Major health risks facing Myanmar's cyclone survivors

(Reuters) - Between 1.2 and 1.9 million people have been left clinging to survival in Myanmar's cyclone-hit Irrawaddy delta, where delays by the military government in admitting large-scale aid are threatening a massive humanitarian disaster.

Following are the major health threats facing the survivors of Cyclone Nargis, which struck the southeast Asian nation on May 2:

CHOLERA

- Caused by a bacterium that attacks the lining of the small intestine. First signs of infection are chronic "rice water" diarrhea. Vomiting is also common. Spread by ingesting contaminated food or water.

Victims become dangerously dehydrated within a few hours and can die within 24 hours without oral or intravenous rehydration.

Incubation period is extremely short at between two hours to five days.

If caught early, treatment is relatively simple and mainly involves drinking water and electrolytes. Typically, antibiotics are also administered.

If untreated, as many as one in two victims will die.

DYSENTERY  Continued...