Cholera is a bacterial infection of the intestines, caused by the bacterium Vibrio Cholerae and it can result in death. Protect yourself and others by
- Knowing the signs and symptoms
When someone is infected, symptoms can appear a few hours later or can be as late as 5 days. Common symptoms of cholera include:
- Watery and profuse amounts of diarrhea
- nausea and vomiting
- cramps, especially in the abdomen and legs
Very soon, signs and symptoms of severe dehydration will appear:
- lack of energy
- glassy or sunken eyes
- dry mouth and extreme thirst
- dry, shriveled skin
- low urine output
- a lack of tears
- irregular heartbeat
- low blood pressure
- Avoiding the possible sources
As the disease is usually spread through fecal contamination avoid
- public sources of drinking water
- drinking water that has not been treated with chlorine
- food from street vendors
- eating raw vegetables
- eating fruit that cannot be peeled
- public toilets with broken plumbing
- eating food at informal eating places
- eating food at large gatherings ( e.g. funerals )
- ice cubes
- ice cream
- Preventing the spread
Keeping your environment clean and keeping the waste contained and out of potential water sources is of the utmost importance.
- Sterilize or dispose of everything that is suspected of contamination or that was in contact with a person with cholera
- Wash your hands well with soap and clean water, after you use the bathroom
- Wash your hands well with soap and clean water before you prepare food
- Boil or disinfect any water that you’ll use to prepare food
- Drink sterilized bottled water
- Carry a liquid sanitizer on your person to use where there is no water or soap.
- If you develop symptoms of cholera go to the nearest health facility immediately
Even if you’re sure it’s not cholera, dehydration is a severe medical condition regardless of the cause, and it needs to be treated quickly.
