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Cholera is an infectious disease that causes severe watery diarrhea, which can lead to dehydration and even death if untreated.
Causes
Vibrio cholerae, the bacterium that causes cholera, is usually found in food or water contaminated by feces from a person with the infection. 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
When a person consumes the contaminated food or water, the bacteria release a toxin in the intestines that produces severe diarrhea.
It is not likely you will catch cholera just from casual contact with an infected person.
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 very serious. 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.
Treatment
Although there are vaccines for Cholera in Health clinics, however staying hydrated and antibiotics is important in ensuring a recovery . With each diarrhea and Vomiting, drink ORS to replace loss fluids.
Prevent Cholera by avoiding the sources outlined above.
Where can i get help?
Private hospitals,Healthcare clinics,General hospitals etc
Stay healthy !
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