Cholera: Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment, and Prevention
The cholera bacteria cause severe diarrhea and dehydration. Cholera is an infection that can be fatal if not treated. Cholera is rare in developed countries, but millions of people are still affected by the disease in regions with poor sanitation and water supply.
Causes of Cholera
Infection with Cholera occurs when people consume food or water contaminated with feces from infected people or animals. The bacterium Vibrio cholerae transmits the disease through the oral-fecal route. In addition to living in salty rivers and coastal waters, cholera bacteria can sometimes be found in raw or undercooked shellfish.
Symptoms of Cholera
A majority of people who are exposed to cholera bacteria do not develop any symptoms. However, about 10% of those infected suffer severe symptoms. These symptoms include:
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Diarrhea, which can be very watery and pale, resembling rice water.
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Nausea and vomiting, especially in the early stages of the infection.
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Dehydration, which can cause thirst, dry mouth, sunken eyes, low urine output, muscle cramps, weakness, and low blood pressure.
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Electrolyte imbalance, which can result from the loss of fluids and minerals in the body. This can cause irregular heartbeat, shock, and even death.
Diagnosis of Cholera
A rapid antigen test, also known as a cholera dipstick test, can provide results within minutes. However, this test is not very accurate, and may need to be confirmed by a laboratory analysis.
Treatment of Cholera
A main treatment for cholera is to replace fluids and electrolytes lost through diarrhea and vomiting. It is possible to do this by drinking oral rehydration solution (ORS), which is a mixture of water, sugar, and salt. In severe cases, intravenous fluids may be necessary to prevent shock and organ failure.
There are also antibiotics that can be used to kill the bacteria and shorten the duration of the illness. However, some strains of cholera bacteria are resistant to certain antibiotics, and antibiotics may not be available or accessible in some places. Consequently, rehydration is the most effective and important treatment for cholera.
Prevention of Cholera
The best way to prevent cholera is to avoid exposure to contaminated food and water. Some preventive measures include:
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Washing hands frequently with soap and water, especially before eating and after using the toilet.
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Drinking only boiled, filtered, or bottled water, and avoiding ice cubes and fountain drinks.
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Eating only cooked food, and avoiding raw or undercooked meat, fish, and shellfish.
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Peeling fruits and vegetables before eating them, and washing them with clean water.
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Using latrines or toilets, and disposing of feces safely and hygienically.
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Avoiding contact with people who have cholera symptoms, and washing hands after caring for them.
Travelers and residents of high-risk areas can also get some protection against cholera by taking a vaccine. However, the vaccine is not widely available, and it does not provide complete or long-lasting immunity. As a result, it shouldn't be used in place of other prevention measures.
