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Cholera: Signs, Symptoms, Risks, Prevention and Treatment

Cholera is an acute condition of diarrheal illness. The infection is cause by a bacterium “Vibrio cholerae”. This condition is normally mild and doesn’t have symptoms. In some cases, it can be severe.

In severe cases, different signs are arising. A severe watery diarrhea is one of its symptoms. It can lead to dehydration. If this condition left untreated, this can result in death.

The disease is common in some parts of Africa, South Asia, and Latin America. In which they have poor sanitation. Several treatments are applied in treating this disease.

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF CHOLERA

The symptoms of cholera are watery diarrhea. It contains mucus with a foul smell. The listed below are signs and symptoms that a person might also develop:

  • Vomiting
  • Fishy odor to stool
  • Rice-water stool
  • Thirst
  • Low blood pressure
  • Muscle Cramps
  • Rapid heart rate
  • Fatigue
  • Restlessness/Irritability
  • Dry Mucous Membranes

In severe cases, you may develop symptoms such as:

  • Fever
  • Severe vomiting
  • Abdominal cramps
  • Dehydration
  • Rectal Pain
  • Weight Loss
  • Low Urine Output
  • Seizures
  • Shock
  • Death

People who tend to have this condition are advised to have a hydration. To prevent developing severe cholera. That can lead to death, if not treated.

CHOLERA SOURCE OF INFECTION

The cause of the infection is a bacterium “Vibrio cholerae”. These are found in food and water. The common sources of infection include:

  • Ice made from municipal water
  • Food and Drinks sold by Street Vendors
  • Municipal Water Supplies
  • Undercooked meat, fish, and seafood caught in water polluted by sewage

If a person eats contaminated food, the bacteria release a toxin. It can produce severe diarrhea.

CHOLERA RISK FACTORS

The following are risk factors for cholera including:

  • Poor Sanitary Conditions
  • Household Exposure
  • Type “O” Blood
  • Nonexistent Stomach Acid
  • Raw or Undercooked Shellfish
  • Living/Visiting in an Endemic Area
  • Malnutrition
  • Weak Immune System

HOW TO PREVENT CHOLERA?

If you’re visiting an endemic area, know the tips to avoid cholera. These are the following:

  • Wash your hands with soap and water often.
  • Be wary of dairy foods.
  • Avoid eating sushi.
  • Don’t buy food sold by street vendors.
  • Choose to drink bottled water, canned juices, and soft drinks.
  • Eat fruits and Vegetables that you peel yourself.
  • Wash the dishes and utensils that you use to eat or prepare food.

DIAGNOSING CHOLERA

The doctor will diagnose you by identifying your stool sample. One of the easiest tests to confirm the diagnosis is “rapid cholera dipstick test”.

An early diagnosis helps in decreasing the death rates of cholera. And with the treatment helps cholera outbreaks in control.

TREATING CHOLERA

The treatment for cholera includes:

  • Rehydration Therapy
  • Intravenous Fluids
  • Antibiotics
  • Zinc Supplements

The above-said treatment adds liquid in the body to help rehydration. It also reduces the days of having diarrhea.

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