Cholera: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

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Cholera is a waterborne bacterial disease that can cause severe dehydration and death if left untreated. Cholera is commonly caused by the bacterium Vibrio cholera and can be seen in contaminated water, and food.

In this article, I'll take a look at the causes, symptoms, and treatment of cholera.

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What Is Cholera?

Cholera is a gut infection that can cause severe diarrhea and dehydration. It's caused by the bacterium Vibrio cholera, which is found in water and food that has been contaminated with feces.

Symptoms of cholera include watery diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, leg cramps, and rapid heartbeat. Left untreated, cholera can lead to severe dehydration, which can be fatal.

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Pixabay

What Causes Cholera?

Cholera is caused by the bacterium Vibrio cholera, which thrives in areas with poor sanitation. When someone with cholera diarrhea sheds the bacteria in their stool, it can contaminate food or water. This can contaminate other people who come into contact with the food or water.

People infected with cholera often have severe diarrhea and vomiting, which can lead to dehydration and death if not treated.

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What Are the Symptoms of Cholera?

If you develop any of the following symptoms, you may have cholera and should seek medical attention immediately:

  • Watery diarrhea, which may be accompanied by vomiting and nausea

  • Extreme thirst

  • Weakness and dizziness

  • Pale skin

  • Low blood pressure

  • Rapid heart rate

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How Is Cholera Treated?

The good news is that cholera is treatable, and it’s actually not that complicated. All you need is access to clean water and salt.

Common Cholera treatment:

The recommended treatment is to drink a mixture of one teaspoon of salt and eight teaspoons of sugar dissolved in one liter of clean water. This will help replace the electrolytes that your body is losing, and will also help with rehydration.

It’s important to note that this treatment should not be given to children under the age of five, as it can cause them to develop hyponatremia, a condition where the sodium level in the blood becomes too low.

How Can Cholera Be Prevented?

The best way to prevent cholera is to practice good hygiene and sanitation. This means washing your hands thoroughly with soap and water, cooking food properly, and drinking treated or boiled water.

It’s also important to get vaccinated against cholera if you’re traveling to an area where the disease is common. There are two types of vaccines available: an oral vaccine and an injectable vaccine.

The oral vaccine is a live vaccine that’s given in two doses, two to six weeks apart. It’s most effective if both doses are taken. The injectable vaccine is a killed vaccine that’s given in a single dose. It provides protection for about six months.

Conclusion

Cholera is a serious disease, and it's important to be aware of the symptoms and how to prevent it. Treatment is available, but it's best to avoid getting cholera in the first place. The best way to do that is to practice good hygiene and ensure you're drinking clean water. If you're traveling to an area where cholera is a risk, make sure you're up to date on your vaccinations.

Sources:

https://www.cdc.gov/cholera/general/index.html#one

https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/cholera



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It is a serious disease, but it is easy to solve, treating water and also cleaning well vegetables bought
!1UP

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