What is cholera?
Cholera is acute water borne disease that results from a bacterial
infection of the intestine. It is characterised by diarrhoea,
vomiting, fever and stomach cramps. The diarrhoea associated with
the condition is usually severe and a lot of fluid is lost from
the body. As a result dehydration occurs in most cases.
Cholera commonly occurs in areas of poor hygiene and sanitation
and may spread as an epidemic in areas of overcrowding, famine and
flooding. The incidence of the disease is very high in India and
other countries of South East Asia.
How is it caused?
Cholera is caused by a bacterium Vibrio cholerae, which is
transmitted through contaminated food and water. It can also be
transmitted from one person to another through dirty hands and
nails, which might contain the bacterium. The infected person’s
linen can also transmit the infection.
What are the symptoms?
Cholera is an acute diarrhoeal infection. The symptoms include:
1. Diarrhoea that is severe and watery
2. Severe stomach and leg cramps
3. Vomiting and dehydration
4. Fever
5. Increased heart rate
6. Lethargy
7. Fatigue and tiredness
8. Excessive thirst.
How is it diagnosed?
Cholera is diagnosed with the help of laboratory tests. A sample
of stool is collected before a person is prescribed antibiotics. A
specimen of the contaminated food and water, if it can be
retrieved, is also taken for laboratory testing. The presence of
the causal bacteria in the samples confirms the diagnosis. Blood
tests may be done to ascertain the degree of water and salt loss
from the body.
What is the treatment?
The initial treatment is to replace the fluids and electrolytes
that have been lost from the body. The most easily available form
of treatment is ORS (Oral Rehydration Solution), which can be made
at home. This is a salt sugar (glucose) solution, which helps to
restore the fluid balance of the body. ORS packets are also
available in the market.
In case the infection is severe and the patient is unable to drink
enough liquids or has persistent vomiting, intravenous fluids have
to be given. This can only be done in a hospital or a
well-equipped clinic.
Antibiotics such as tetracycline are prescribed to control the
infection. However, antibiotics are only prescribed after the
laboratory tests have confirmed the diagnosis. Fluid therapy
should be continued in addition to the medicines to maintain the
body’s fluid balance. Cholera is a notifiable disease. All proven
cases must be immediately reported to the health authority in the
district.
Can cholera be prevented?
Cholera can be prevented by taking a few simple precautions:
1.Water should always be boiled before consumption
2.Good personal hygiene, for example, proper use of toilets,
washing hands especially before a meal, and keeping finger nails
clean help to prevent infection
3.If there is an epidemic, children should be vaccinated against
the disease
4.Booster doses are given every six months to people living in
cholera-prone areas
5.Travellers should be careful with food and drinking water even
if they have been vaccinated against the disease.
Bacteria that causes cholera
The symptoms of cholera
include nausea, vomiting, severe diarrhea, and abdominal cramps
leading to profound dehydration
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