Vibrio cholerae is a bacterium that is known to cause cholera worldwide, this bacterium infects the small intestine and it will result in watery diarrhea and vomiting. Cholera has no age barrier as it affects both young and old. It is transmitted through drinking of fecally contaminated water, hands, and food. Cholera is highly contagious that is why its prevention is very necessary to prevent it outbreak. If cholera infected people are not promptly and adequately treated, the loss of large amounts of fluid and salts through diarrhea and vomiting can lead to severe dehydration and death within hours.
Prevention of Cholera Outbreak
Following these routes below will help to halt the outbreak of cholera in the society.
Sewage Treatment:
antibacterial treatment of general sewage by chlorine, ozone, ultraviolet light or other effective treatment before it goes into the waterways or underground water supplies helps avert undiagnosed patients from an unintentional distribution of the disease.
Tame Sources:
Warnings about possible cholera contamination should be posted around contaminated water sources with directions on how to decontaminate the water (boiling, chlorination etc.) for possible use.
Water purification:
All water used for drinking, washing, or cooking should be sterilized by any of the following: boiling, chlorination, ozone water treatment, ultraviolet light sterilization (e.g. by solar water disinfection), or antimicrobial filtration in any area where cholera may be present. Chlorination and boiling are often the least expensive and most effective means of halting transmission. Public health education and adherence to appropriate sanitation practices are of primary importance to help prevent and control transmission of cholera and other diseases.
Treatment of Cholera Patient
- Because of the loss of water and salt from the body, continuous eating and drinking treated water will speed up the recovery of normal intestine function. A mother should continue breastfeeding their child even when going for treatment.
- The primary treatment is oral rehydration therapy, typically with oral rehydration solution (ORS), to replace water and electrolytes.
- If this is not tolerated or does not provide advancement fast enough, intravenous fluids can be used as well.
- Antibacterial drugs are advantageous for those with severe disease to shorten its duration and severity.
Although there is a vaccine against cholera, the CDC and World Health Organization don’t normally recommend it because it may not protect up to half of the people who receive it and it lasts only a few months. However, you can protect yourself and your family by using only water that has been boiled, water that has been chemically disinfected, or bottled water. Be sure to use the bottled, boiled, or chemically disinfected water for the following purposes: Drinking, Preparing food or drinks, Making ice, Brushing your teeth, Washing your face and hands, Washing dishes and utensils that you use to eat or prepare food, Washing fruits and vegetables. Still looking for more information, visit WebMD for A-Z Guide
