Cholera is a bacteria infection caused by the ingestion of food or water that has been contaminated by bacterium vibrio cholerae. Cholera should never be over looked because it has quietly claimed a lot of lives which include little children, adults and even babies. Cholera is mostly noticed among people who live in an unhealthy environment (houses in slum areas, close to refuse dumps, or residential areas that lack basic infrastructural amenities).
Primary symptom
People suffering from cholera are known to stool frequently (severe watery diarrhea) and also vomiting which of cause leads to dehydration due to the fact that they have lost a lot of water and when neglected can lead to death. Also people having cholera have sunken eyes because they become very weak and they also have swollen stomach caused by the infection of the small intestine, abdominal cramp and headache.
Prevention and control
Cholera can only be controlled by good personal and environmental hygiene and these include the provision of clean safe water to the public and also proper food handling and processing. Water should be properly boiled, allowed to cool then filtered before drinking. Cans and bottles used to store water should be properly washed pre-pasturerised before use. Fruits and vegetables should be properly washed before eating. Hands should be washed after visiting the rest room and before eating. Food should be well handled both in our homes and canteens, and food handlers should be free from the disease. Baby plates, spoons, water bottles etc should be carefully and neatly handled with care. House should be perfectly kept clean to prevent flees also residential areas should be far away from stagnant water, slum areas and refuse dump.
Treatment
Once cholera is suspected, the victim should be given oral rehydration (salt and water solution) and then should be taken to the hospital immediately for treatment – the use of vaccines.
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