Diseases: Cholera

• I usually spread by contaminated food and/or water
• The cholera pathogen is a bacterium called Vibrio cholerae
• It is an infectious disease
• The pathogen lives and multiplies in the digestive system

Symptoms

• Acute diarrhoea
• Fever
• Vomiting
• Leading to dehydration and in some cases death within 24 hours
• Effects are acute in children and infants

Treatment

• Oral rehydration (using salt and sugar solution)
• Using Antibiotics

Prevention and control

• Good sanitation
• Protection of water sources such as water wells
• Vaccination especially when one is visiting a contaminated area
• Isolation of infected persons
• Using water treatment chemicals
• Practising good hygiene

Hygiene

• Good hygiene can be used to prevent diseases like cholera
• Many such diseases are spread by vectors such as flies
• Hygiene can be personal/individual, domestic or community

Personal hygiene

• This is at an individual level
• Includes good habits such as having meals regularly, having enough sleep and stress prevention
• Washing of hands after using the toilet
• Covering your mouth while sneezing etc

Domestic hygiene

• When the whole household takes part
• Includes proper handling, storage and preparation of water and food to prevent contamination

Community hygiene

• Is necessary to prevent epidemics such as cholera
• It might include:
• proper water treatment
• Proper sewage disposal
• Proper ante and post natal care
• Immunising children
• Control of vectors such as mosquitos
• Building sufficient and adequate health facilities

To access more topics go to the Combined Science Notes page