Cholera – What is it, Causes, Symptoms and Treatments!

Cholera – What it is, Causes, Symptoms and Treatments that we should not ignore. In addition, cholera  is an acute intestinal infection caused by ingesting contaminated food and water. Cholera is caused by the bacterium   whose name is Vibrio cholerae, the cholera vibrio is a bacterium  that has the ability to multiply at great speed within the  human intestine .

This bacterium  causes strong fermentation reactions within the digestive tract and releases a potent toxin that “triggers” intense diarrhea . Its contagion occurs mainly through water and food contaminated by the cholera vibrio, which, after ingested, multiplies quickly in the small intestine  . So, check out  Cholera – What it is, Causes, Symptoms and Treatments.

Symptoms: Most people exposed to cholera never get sick. In fact, in most cases, you’ll never know you’ve been exposed. Once you are infected, you will continue to shed cholera bacteria  inyour stool for seven to 14 days. Cholerausually causes mild  to moderate diarrhea , like other illnesses. One in 10 infected people will develop typical symptoms within two to three days after infection.

Common symptoms of cholera include:

Dehydration caused by cholera is often severe and can cause tiredness , moodiness, sunken eyes, dry mouth , sagging skin, extreme thirst, reduced urine output, irregular heartbeat, and low blood pressure.

Dehydration can lead to the loss of minerals  in the blood. This can lead to an electrolyte imbalance. The first sign of an electrolyte imbalance is severe muscle cramps. An electrolyte imbalance can eventually cause shock. Children often have the same symptoms of cholera as adults. Children can also experience the following:

Cholera rarely occurs in first world nations . If you follow proper food safety practices, even in affected areas, the risk of infection is lower. Still, cholera continues to occur across the world. If you develop  severe diarrhea after visiting an area with a high rate of cholera , you should see a doctor.

Causes: Vibrio cholerae, the bacterium  that causes cholera , is usually found in food or water contaminated by feces from a person with the infection. Common sources include:

  • Municipal water supply
  • Ice made from municipal water
  • Food and drinks sold by street vendors
  • Vegetables  grown with water containing human waste
  • Raw or uncooked fish and seafood in sewage-polluted waters
  • When a person consumes contaminated food or water, the bacteria  release a toxin in the intestines  that produces  severe diarrhea .

You’re not likely to get cholera just from casual contact with an infected person.

Treatment: The basic treatment for cholera  consists of administering lost fluids with an oral rehydration solution (salt, sugar  and water solution). In more severe cases, rehydration should be done intravenously along with the administration of antibiotics.

There are vaccines (Dukarol and Shanchol) that can be used in endemic areas to reduce the possibility of catching cholera . It is very important that the individual with cholera  is treated soon so that the condition does not worsen and the individual dies.

Useful links: 

Prevention: Several prevention measures for cholera  can be adopted, including:

  • Basic sanitation, so that human waste is not thrown directly into nature, rivers, lakes, etc.
  • Wash your hands with soap whenever you use the bathroom and before preparing food.
    always use potable water and avoid using water of unknown origin for drinking or preparing food.
  • Soak vegetables and foods that are eaten raw for 20 minutes in a solution of water with a few drops of vinegar .

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