WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT CHOLERA

 

By: OMODELE Goodness

Due to the current high number of cholera reports in Nigeria health centres in this year, 2024. We need to equip ourselves with knowledge of this disease as well as take appropriate preventive measures against it.

Mr Abayomi, the Lagos state health commissioner has  revealed that the state had recorded 350 suspected cases in 29 wards across multiple local government areas (LGAs) with 17 confirmed cases of severe gastroenteritis caused by cholera.

 Cholera is an acute infectious disease caused by certain strains of the Vibrio cholerae bacterium through ingestion of contaminated water or food. It is usually marked by severe gastrointestinal symptoms such as diarrhoea, abdominal cramps, nausea, vomiting, and dehydration. If left untreated, cholera can be fatal within hours, even in previously healthy people. It is caused by the Vibrio cholera bacterium, and the effect of this disease is due to toxins secreted by the bacterium in the small intestine.

The toxin causes the body to release large amounts of water leading to diarrhoea, and quick loss of fluid and salts in the body.

This bacterium can be found in:

● Surface or well water:- Contaminated public wells are regular sources of large-scale cholera outbreaks. People living in crowded conditions without adequate sanitation are especially at risk.

● Seafood:- Eating raw or undercooked seafood, especially shellfish, that comes from certain places can expose you to cholera bacteria.

● Raw fruits and vegetables:- Raw, unpeeled fruits and vegetables are a frequent source of cholera infection in areas where there's cholera. Composted manure fertilizers or irrigation water containing raw sewage can contaminate produce in the field.

● Grains. In areas where cholera is widespread, grains such as rice and millet that are contaminated after cooking and kept at room temperature for several hours can grow cholera bacteria.

  Symptoms of cholera infection can include:

● Diarrhea: Cholera-related diarrhoea comes on suddenly and can quickly cause dangerous fluid loss — as much as a quart (about 1 litre) an hour. Diarrhoea due to cholera often has a pale, milky appearance that resembles water in which rice has been rinsed.

● Nausea and vomiting: Vomiting occurs especially in the early stages of cholera and can last for hours.

● Dehydration: Dehydration can develop within hours after cholera symptoms start and range from mild to severe.

Other signs of cholera dehydration include irritability, fatigue, sunken eyes, a dry mouth, extreme thirst, dry and shrivelled skin that's slow to bounce back when pinched into a fold, little or no urinating, low blood pressure, and an irregular heartbeat.

Dehydration can also lead to a rapid loss of minerals in the blood that maintain the balance of fluids in the body. This is called an electrolyte imbalance.

Electrolyte imbalance

An electrolyte imbalance can lead to serious signs and symptoms such as:

● Muscle cramps: These result from the rapid loss of salts such as sodium, chloride and potassium.

● Shock: This is one of the most serious complications of dehydration. It occurs when low blood volume causes a drop in blood pressure and a drop in the amount of oxygen in your body. If untreated, severe hypovolemic shock can cause death in minutes.

Prevention.

While Cholera can become rapidly fatal, your risk of contracting the disease, even as a student, is extremely low if you follow these precautions:

● Wash your hands with soap and water frequently, especially after using the toilet and before handling food. Rub soapy, wet hands together for at least 15 seconds before rinsing. If soap and water aren't available, it's advisable to use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.

● Drink only safe water, including bottled water or water you've boiled or disinfected yourself. It is also advisable to use safe water to brush the teeth.

Hot beverages are generally safe, as are canned or bottled drinks, but wipe the outside before you open them. Don't add ice to your drinks unless you made it yourself using safe water.

● Eat food that's completely cooked and hot and avoid street vendor food, if possible. If you do buy a meal from a street vendor, make sure it's cooked in your presence and served hot.

● Stick to fruits and vegetables that you can peel yourself, such as bananas, oranges and avocados. Stay away from salads and fruits that can't be peeled, such as grapes and berries.

 

If you have diarrhoea, especially severe diarrhoea, and think you might have been exposed to cholera, it is best advisable to seek treatment right away. Severe dehydration is a medical emergency that requires immediate care.