Cholera is a bacterial infection that typically spreads through contaminated water, leading to severe diarrhoea and dehydration. In extreme cases, it requires immediate treatment as it can cause death within hours, even in individuals who were previously healthy. Effective modern sewage and water treatment have largely eradicated this disease in many countries. However, it remains a significant issue in parts of Latin America, Africa, Asia and the Middle East. Areas experiencing poverty, war and natural disasters are at the highest risk for cholera outbreaks, as these conditions often force people to live in overcrowded spaces without adequate sanitation. Read on to learn more about cholera sickness and its treatment.
What Causes Cholera?
The bacteria Vibrio cholerae is the cause of cholera disease. The small intestine becomes infected with V. cholerae when a person eats or drinks tainted food or water, which causes it to leak fluids and causes diarrhoea. Through their excrement, infected people might spread the illness.
If the water supply is not adequately sanitised once these faeces contaminate it, those who drink, cook, or wash with the contaminated water, run the danger of getting cholera. It is not likely to transmit directly from person to person. Salty rivers and coastal waterways are also common habitats for the bacteria responsible for causing cholera. There have been rare cases of this disease linked to undercooked or raw shrimp.
Cholera Symptoms
A cholera infection can be mild or even asymptomatic. However, some of the infected individuals develop severe symptoms within 12 hours to five days after ingesting the bacteria. These cholera symptoms include:
- Sudden onset of diarrhoea
- Vomiting
- Nausea
- Mild to severe dehydration
The dehydration caused by cholera can be severe and may present with symptoms such as:
- Tiredness
- Sunken eyes
- Confusion/Dizziness
- Dry mouth
- Extreme thirst
- Shrivelled skin
- Reduced urine output
- Low blood pressure
- Irregular heart rate
Dehydration can also lead to a loss of minerals in the blood, causing an electrolyte imbalance. The initial sign of an electrolyte imbalance is severe muscle cramps, which can progress to shock if left untreated. In children, cholera symptoms are usually the same as those in adults. Additionally, children also experience:
- Fever
- Coma
- Convulsions
- Severe drowsiness
Cholera Treatment
Cholera demands immediate treatment due to its potential to cause death within hours. Cholera treatment includes:
Oral Rehydration Solution (ORS)
Rehydration is crucial, aiming to replace lost fluids and electrolytes with a simple oral rehydration solution (ORS). It is available as a powder that can be mixed with boiled or bottled water. Without rehydration, about half of those infected with cholera may die, but with proper treatment, fatalities drop to less than 1%.
Intravenous Fluids
These fluids may be necessary for those with severe dehydration, though most people with cholera can be treated with oral rehydration alone.
Antibiotics
While not always required, antibiotics can help reduce the duration and severity of diarrhoea in severely ill patients.
Zinc Supplements
Zinc supplements have been found to decrease the severity and duration of diarrhoea in children with cholera.
Cholera Prevention
For those living in or travelling to areas with cholera, the risk of contracting the disease remains very low if you follow these precautions:
Vaccination
Cholera vaccines are available. If you’ve already been vaccinated and are travelling to a country experiencing an active outbreak of this disease, you may need a booster. Consult a doctor for advice on getting the booster vaccine.
Hand Hygiene
Frequently wash your hands with soap and water, especially after using the toilet and before handling food. Rub soapy, wet hands together for at least 15 seconds before rinsing. If soap and water aren’t available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitiser.
Safe Drinking Water
Drink only safe water, such as bottled water or water that you have boiled or disinfected yourself. Use bottled water even for brushing your teeth. Hot beverages are generally safe, as are canned or bottled drinks, but wipe the outside before you open them. Avoid using ice unless you made it yourself with safe water.
Food Safety
Eat food that is thoroughly cooked and hot. Avoid street vendor food if possible, but if you do buy from a street vendor, ensure it is cooked in your presence and served hot. Avoid sushi and raw or improperly cooked fish and seafood.
Fruits and Vegetables
Stick to fruits and vegetables that you can peel yourself, such as oranges, bananas and avocados. Avoid salads and fruits that cannot be peeled, such as berries and grapes.
Conclusion
In areas with poor water treatment and sanitation infrastructure, cholera is still a major public health concern. When left untreated, this bacterial infection can cause severe diarrhoea and dehydration, which can potentially be fatal in a matter of hours. Rehydration with intravenous fluids or Oral Rehydration Solutions (ORS) is the mainstay of effective treatment. In more severe instances, antibiotics and zinc supplements are used to alleviate symptoms and shorten the illness’s duration. For those who live in or are visiting cholera-prone areas, preventive measures like vaccination, hand hygiene, drinking safe drinking water and correct food handling are essential. The risk of this disease can be greatly reduced by following above mentioned precautions, improving health outcomes even in high-risk areas.
