CHOLERA: What You Must Know ( A Comprehensive Guide)

Introducing Cholera

In a world where science has advanced and healthcare interventions are almost real-time, one wonders why we still hear of outbreaks of Vibrio cholerae. 

It simply means that people, (and by people I mean down to the locals) are not aware of the relevant information needed to avoid such incidents or at least limit it to the barest minimum. 

Let’s go through the basics together. 

What you need to know about Vibrio cholerae.

Cholera is a severe diarrhoea disease that can lead to severe dehydration and in severe cases, shock and Death! 

It is caused by Vibrio cholerae; a tiny, comma-shaped bacteria that is often found in contaminated water or food. 

Once inside the stomach, Vibrio cholerae produces a toxin that wreaks havoc on the intestines, causing the body to lose fluids at an alarming rate.

This disease thrives in areas with poor sanitation and limited access to clean water. 

 Looks like an easy fix right? 

But for centuries, this ancient pathogen has been a relentless force, claiming lives and challenging medical professionals across the globe.

What exactly makes Cholera a killer?

Transmission 

The first thing we will explore is its silent spread.

We have established that Cholera thrives in environments with scarcity of clean water and poor sanitation. Once these conditions are in place, Vibrio cholerae begins to spread silently from one person to another either through contaminated food or contaminated water. 

Imagine sipping water from a well that has been contaminated or eating food washed with unclean water—this is how easily cholera can sneak into our lives.

The second thing is the speed!!

In crowded, unsanitary conditions, an outbreak can occur with frightening speed. The ability of cholera to spread so fast in vulnerable populations makes it a public health concern that demands our attention and action.

Outbreaks

Every year, Cholera affects millions globally, with an estimated 3 to 5 million cases and 100,000 to 120,000 deaths reported.

We can easily identify a distinct pattern among regions that are experiencing cholera outbreaks.

• Regions with humanitarian crises, as seen in Syria and Sudan, where the disruption of water and sanitation increases risk of transmission.
• Regions with high population and prone to flooding as reflected in the current outbreak in Nigeria. Flood zone states like Lagos and Rivers have recorded relatively higher number of cases and deaths as seen in the 2021 outbreak.

In a nutshell the factors that exacerbate these outbreaks are

• Poor environmental infrastructure
• Lack of health care services
• Lack of safe water and sanitation
• Increased population movement.

So, how can you tell if someone has cholera?

Symptoms of Cholera 

Symptoms usually appear within 12 hours to 5 days after exposure. 

• The trademark sign is severe watery diarrhea, often described as “rice water” because it has this appearance of boiled rice water. 
• vomiting sometimes accompanied by abdominal cramps.
•  Severe dehydration which can be evident in cracked lips, sunken eyeballs, patched skin. 

If left untreated, cholera can quickly lead to shock and Death.  

Early detection of the tell-tale signs should lead you to seek medical attention immediately. Samples will be collected and taken to the lab for confirmation. 

Diagnosis of Vibrio cholerae 

If you suspect cholera, healthcare professionals will assess symptoms and may conduct laboratory tests to confirm the diagnosis. 

Samples collected: Stool, rectal swab.

Sample analysis: There are different methods for diagnosing Vibrio cholera.

• Rapid diagnostic tests ( dip strips): this is the fastest and most affordable method but has its limitations.
• Direct microscopy: gram staining smears or stool debris to find gram negative Vibro cholerae. 
• Culture: using selective media like alkaline peptone water or thiosulfate-citrate-bile-sucrose (TCBS) agar.
• Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to detect the presence of Vibrio cholerae nucleic acid.

Usually medical attention is given to a patient immediately, before the disease is confirmed: however, quick diagnosis is important for effective treatment and control of spread of Cholera.

Let’s equip you of what you need to give someone suspected of cholera immediately. 

Treatment:

The good news is that cholera is treatable! 

• The first thing to do is try to rehydrate the person using Oral Rehydration Solution (ORS). You can get it from the store  or make it at home by adding ½ teaspoon of salt and 6 teaspoons of sugar into 1 liter of clean water. This solution can work wonders.
• Intravenous fluids may be necessary for severe cases.
• Antibiotics prescribed by the medical professional can also help shorten the duration of the illness and reduce fluid loss. 

The sooner treatment begins, the better the chances of recovery.

Prevention

Prevention is always better than cure! 

Steps to take to prevent Cholera disease and outbreaks at large. 

• Provision of clean water in all town 
• Maintain proper sanitation, and good personal hygiene
• High risk populations should be Vaccinted with the Oral Cholera Vaccines (OCV) especially children. 
• Educating communities about safe food and water practices is essential in the fight against cholera. 

Remember, knowledge about diseases and their pathways powers one with a fighting chance!

In Conclusion

Cholera may seem daunting, but understanding its transmission, symptoms, and treatment can empower us to take action. 

Essentially, by observing good personal hygiene and environmental sanitation, we can protect ourselves and our communities from this preventable disease.

Stay informed with medlabhq.com.

Stay safe and let’s work together to keep cholera away!

Reference

https://www.emro.who.int/health-topics/cholera-outbreak/index.html?utm_source=perplexity