FEW THINGS ABOUT CHOLERA Considering the rising prevalence of cholera cases at an alarming rate, this might be of a little help. The onset of the cholera is usually acute, catching the victim unawares. It is characterised by sudden onset of profuse painless watery stool that looks like rice water, nausea and profuse vomiting leading to weakness, low blood pressure and restlessness due to rapid loss of body fluids and electrolytes, irritability and dry mouth. Causes Vibrio cholerae, the bacterium that causes cholera, is usually found in food or water contaminated by faeces from a person with the infection. Common sources include public water supplies, 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 releases a toxin (poison) in the intestines that produces severe diarrhoea. Cholera cannot be gotten from casual contact with an infected person. Cholera symptoms Symptoms of cholera can begin as soon as a few hours or as long as five days after infection. About one in 20 people infected have severe watery diarrhoea accompanied by vomiting, which can quickly lead to dehydration. Signs and symptoms of dehydration include rapid heart rate, loss of skin elasticity, dry mucous membranes – including the inside of the mouth, throat, nose, and eyelids – low blood pressure and thirst. Laboratory investigations : Definitive diagnosis is done by isolation and identification of Vibro cholerae from stool samples, usually with immunologic tests. Treatment •Cholera is highly treatable, but because dehydration can happen quickly, it’s important to get cholera treatment right away. •Rehydration is the mainstay of treatment for cholera. Treatment will consist of oral or intravenous solutions to replace lost fluids. •Antibiotics kills the bacteria They reduce the duration of diarrhoea by half and also reduce the excretion of the bacteria, thus helping to prevent the spread of the disease. Prevention •Measures should be taken to discourage open defecation by the people. •Provision of safe and potable drinking water .Disinfect your own water, boil it for one minute or filter it and add safeguard (water purifier). •Frequent and correct washing of hands particularly after visiting the toilet should be adhered to. •Wash of fruits and vegetables thoroughly before eating as well as thorough cooking of food before eating. •Bakers and other bakery workers should observe cleanliness. Freshly produced bread should be covered from flies. •Vaccination against cholera is available but not effective as it lasts only for a few months.
Posted on: Wed, 20 Nov 2013 18:13:15 +0000
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