Cholera is an intense pestilence irresistible illness. It is portrayed by watery loose bowels, outrageous loss of liquid and electrolytes, and serious parchedness.
It is caused by the bacterium Vibrio cholera
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What is Cholera?
Cholera symptoms?
How does cholera develop?
Is it serious what can you expect?
When to go to the doctor?
What can you do about it yourself?
General advice and precautions?
What is Cholera?
Cholera is an acute gastrointestinal infection. The causative agent is a bacterium that enters the body through contaminated food or water. The period from infection to becoming ill is very short (1-5 days). Most people do not get sick after being infected, but 20% of infected people get the typical diarrhea. The diarrhea can cause severe dehydration and lead to death in a matter of hours. Cholera is a major health threat in countries and areas with poor hygiene conditions. Every year there are 4,000,000 cases of illness and 120,000 people die from cholera worldwide. The chance of contracting cholera as a traveler in a tropical country is extremely low (1 in 500,000 travelers).
Cholera symptoms?
After a short incubation period of 1 to 5 days, the disease starts with symptoms of vomiting, diarrhea and abdominal pain. The stool comes in large quantities and is watery, sometimes up to 40 times a day. The moisture loss is enormous. A life-threatening situation can arise because the circulation is too short. During epidemics, there are also many lighter cases. Depending on the nutritional status, at the time of onset of the disease, the mortality can be as high as 75%.
How does cholera develop?
Cholera is caused by eating or drinking water or food that is contaminated with the cholera bacteria (vibrio cholerae). This bacterium can survive and spread well under poor hygienic conditions. This can be especially the case after disasters and under war conditions, when large numbers of people live together in camps with inadequate hygiene facilities. The bacteria produces a toxic substance (enterotoxin). This substance stimulates the intestinal wall to produce large amounts of moisture. People in a poor nutritional status are much more susceptible to getting the disease.
Is it serious what can you expect?
Cholera can have a very serious course and can lead to death in a few hours. The severity of the disease is highly dependent on health and nutritional status. Usually, however, the disease has a mild course.
When to go to the doctor?
Cholera does not occur in the India. Contamination can occur in countries with poor hygiene facilities. The incubation period is very short. Usually you are still present in the country concerned when the complaints arise. It is advisable to consult a doctor in case of complaints that indicate cholera. The doctor can give you a course of antibiotics. If there is evidence of dehydration, it may be necessary to administer fluids via an IV.
What can you do about it yourself?
The most important thing in the suspicion of cholera is: to ensure that you are getting plenty of fluids and salts. This is best done with ORS (Oral Rehydration Solution). This is available almost everywhere and can also be made yourself. Do this by dissolving 8 level teaspoons of sugar and 1 level teaspoon of 1 salt in 1 liter of clean water. In case of severe diarrhea, drink a lot of this (liters!).
General advice and precautions?
Cholera is mainly found in high-risk areas, such as refugee camps. Try to avoid these. Pay close attention to hygiene, use bottled or boiled water, wash your hands regularly with soap and water, do not eat raw food (fish, lettuce), peel fruit, and do not buy food or drink on the street. A vaccine is available against cholera. The vaccine prevents about 85% of cholera infections. In view of the small chance of contracting cholera, there is in principle no indication for travelers to administer this vaccine before their trip. With the exception of people who go to work in a refugee camp and are unlikely to have access to boiled or bottled water.
Some countries do require proof of vaccination against cholera for incoming travelers. This is against the guidelines of the World Health Organization. Travelers who travel to such countries will receive the so-called "cholera medically not indicated" stamp in their vaccination booklet. This is sufficient to prevent problems at the border.
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