It is an infectious disease that causes severe watery diarrhea, which can lead to dehydration and even death if it is not properly treated. It is caused by eating food or drinking water contaminated with a bacteria called Vibrio cholerae.
Vibrio cholerae, the bacterium that causes cholera, is usually found in food or water contaminated by the infected person’s feces. When a person uses contaminated food or water, the bacteria liberate a toxin in the intestines that produces severe diarrhea. The disease is most common in places with poor sanitation, crowding, war, and famine. Common sources include:
- Municipal water supplies.
- Ice made from municipal water.
- Foods and drinks sold by street vendors.
- Vegetables grown with water containing human wastes.
- Raw or undercooked fish and seafood caught in waters polluted with sewage.
Sign and Symptoms
Symptoms of cholera can begin as soon as a few hours or as long as five days after infection. Often, symptoms are mild. But sometimes they are severe. About one in 20 people infected have severe watery diarrhea accompanied by vomiting, which can quickly lead to dehydration. Although many infected people may have minimal or no symptoms, they can still contribute to spread of the infection. Signs and symptoms of dehydration include:
- Rapid heart rate.
- Loss of skin elasticity (the ability to return to original position quickly if pinched).
- Dry mucous membranes, including the inside of the mouth, throat, nose, and eyelids.
- Low blood pressure.
- Thirst.
- Muscle cramps.
If not treated, dehydration can lead to shock and death in a matter of hours.
PREVENTION AND CONTROL
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. Following preventive measures can be carried out.
- Unpeeled fruits and vegetables.
- Unpasteurized milk and milk products.
- Raw or undercooked meat or shellfish.
- Fish caught in tropical reefs may be contaminated.
Other preventive parameters are:
- Basic health education and hygiene.
- Mass chemoprophylaxis.
- Provision of safe water and sanitation.
- Comprehensive Multidisciplinary Approach: water, sanitation, education, and communication.
Controlling parameters are
- Treatment centers: Set up treatment centers for prompt treatment.
- Sanitary measures.: Food safety and animal health measures
- Comprehensive surveillance: adapt to each situation for a data-comprehensive multidisciplinary approach.
Cholera Treatment
- Rehydration – Drink plenty of fluids or use oral rehydration salts (ORS) to replace lost water and electrolytes.
- Medical Treatment – In severe cases, intravenous (IV) fluids and antibiotics (like doxycycline or azithromycin) may be needed.
- Zinc Supplements – Helps reduce the severity and duration of diarrhea, especially in children.
- Hygiene & Sanitation – Wash hands regularly, drink clean water, and eat properly cooked food to prevent infection.
- Seek Medical Help – If symptoms worsen, visit a hospital immediately for professional care.
