Cholera
This is a severe gastrointestinal disease characterized by vomiting and massive watery diarrhea with rapid dehydration and shock. Cholera is a secretory type of diarrhea caused by a bacteria called Vibrio cholerae.
These two pathogenic serogroup are the 0139 and the 01. This disease is transmitted by the fecal-oral route via contamination of water, milk and other foods. The organism V. cholerae will survive well at ordinary temperatures and longer in refrigerated foods. Flies, soiled hands and utensils also serve to transmit the infection.
Cholera could be an asymptomatic disease or could be a life-threatening dehydration. The usual incubation period is 1-2 days. The infected individual will have an :
– abdominal discomfort
– abdominal cramps
– vomiting
– with “rice-water” stool and fishy odor
– hypovolemic shock
Prompt treatment must be done to prevent mortality. Vigorous fluid and electrolyte therapy are given so with an antibiotic against the organism.
All patients with cholera should be isolated until the rectal swab cultures show negative results for three consecutive times. In endemic areas, vaccinations are given.
The following measures are advised for cholera prevention:
1. Make sure to drink and use safe water to brush your teeth, wash and prepare food.
2. Cook food well, keep it covered, and eat it hot . Peel fruits and vegetables.
3. Clean up safely in the kitchen and in place where family bathes and washes clothes.
4. There must be strict surveillance.
5. Water and sanitation interventions must be instituted.
6. Hygiene promotion and social mobilization must be encouraged.