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What is Cholera?

Posted on Thu, 13 Nov 1997 16:14:36 GMT

 

It seems like every time there are floods, earthquakes or any disasters in the developing countries of the world, an outbreak of cholera follows quickly.

 

But what is this disease and why does it usually show up after a disaster?

 

What is Cholera?

 

Cholera is the illness caused by a bacterium called Vibria cholerae. It infects people's intestines, causing diarrhea, vomiting and leg cramps.

 

Cholera Bacterium

 

How do people get it?

 

The most common cause of cholera is by someone eating food or drinking water that has been contaminated with the bacteria.

 

After a disaster, this is a very real danger, since regular, clean water and food supplies are often unavailable. The disease can be spread even further by infected people using already dirty water sources to clean themselves or dispose of waste.

 

Why is it so serious?

 

Cholera can be mild or even without symptoms, but a severe case can lead to death without immediate treatment. The diarrhea and vomiting brought on by the infection quickly leaves the body without enough fluid. The following dehydration and shock can kill a person within hours.

 

Can it be treated?

 

Yes, very simply and effectively. If an infected person is given fluids immediately after the first symptoms show up, the disease can be completely cured. Simple water won't do, however. A mixture of sugar and certain salts that the body needs must be mixed with clean water and drunk in large amounts.

 

If this method is used as soon as possible, fewer than 1% of cholera patients die, according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) in Atlanta, Georgia.

 

What should you do if you're travelling to a country that has a cholera outbreak?

 

Here's what the CDC recommends:

# Drink only water that you have boiled or treated with chlorine or iodine. Other safe drinks include tea or coffee made with boiled water and carbonated, bottled beverages with no ice.

# Eat only food that's been thoroughly cooked and is still hot, or fruit that you've peeled yourself.

# Avoid undercooked or raw fish and shellfish.

# Avoid raw salads and vegetables.

# Avoid food and drinks from street vendors.

 

The CDC's bottom line to avoid cholera infection?

 

"Boil it, cook it, peel it, or forget it."

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