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CHOLERA: A WATER-BORNE DISEASE

 Overview

Cholera is an acute waterborne diarrheal infection of the intestine. This results in dehydration and causes death, if left untreated. It is majorly caused by the infection with bacterial stains of Vibrio cholerae. 


The first outbreak of this disease was seen in India, from contaminated water of river Ganges. It then spread to other continents killing millions of people. According to WHO there are about 1.5 to 4 million cases of cholera every year, causing about 20,000 to 1,43,000 fatalities every year.


Causes

The major cause of disease is infection with the bacteria Vibrio cholerae. It gets mixed with water and contaminates it. This water when it goes inside the human body can cause disease. 

When a person is infected with this disease, the bacteria comes out of his body through his faeces. When these faeces somehow reach water bodies, they contaminate the water. When that water is used, it comes in contact with another human and causes infection. That's how the bacteria spreads. The disease is more common in areas with poor sanitation and crowding.


The common cause of this disease is contaminated municipal water supply and vegetables grown with water containing human wastes.


Symptoms

Symptoms of the disease can be seen within as early as two hours of infection or 5 days after infection. In most people the symptoms are mild, but in some they can be severe and would need immediate medical help. 

The common symptoms include

1.Extremely watery diarrhea

2. Dehydration

3. Weakness

4. Low blood pressure

5. Thirst

6. Muscle cramps

7. Vomiting

8. Nausea


The person with above symptoms must be taken to a hospital as soon as possible for medical aid. Dehydration due to excessive water loss can even cause death of the person.


Treatment 

Vaccine for the bacteria has been made by health organizations and there are strict guidelines to whom it should be given. Vaccines are available for oral consumption too.


When a person has cholera the main treatment given to him is a rehydration therapy. In this, the person is given an Oral Rehydration Solution or ORS. They tend to supply enough water and energy to the person. Along with this antibiotics are also given to diminish the diarrhea and stop water loss. 


Prevention

Prevention for cholera is a must as the disease is mainly spread because of human neglect.

When contaminated water is used for various purposes without going through proper treatments, the disease is more prevalent. There are a number of precautions you can take if you wish to save yourself and your family from cholera infection. Here are some very simple things that you can do.


1.Use bottled, disinfected or boiled water for various daily use purposes like drinking, making ice, brushing your teeth, preparing food and washing dishes.


2. Do not go into contaminated water bodies like ponds, lakes bare feet. 


3. Do not eat fruits and vegetables without washing them properly.


4. Don't use unpasteurized milk and milk products


5. Avoid eating fish caught in tropical reefs. They might be contaminated.


Conclusion

Cholera might not be a deadly disease now, but when it's pandemic started, it was much worse than COVID-19. There have been in total seven episodes of cholera pandemic in world history, all costing millions of lives. With all the available treatment and vaccines, cholera still remains deadly. You should take care of yourself and your loved ones and must seek medical help if you see any symptoms, before it's too late.


Stay Safe, Stay Healthy and fit and Stay tuned for more.

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