Cholera is a severe diarrheal disease caused by the bacterium called Vibrio cholerae
The infection is often characterized by acute onset of profuse watery diarrhea, vomiting and muscle cramps, which can lead to severe dehydration and death if untreated. This article explores the historical context, causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of cholera.
Historical Context
Cholera has a long and devastating history, with the first recorded pandemic occurring in 1817 in the Ganges Delta of India. Since then, there have been seven pandemics, the most recent beginning in 1961. Cholera outbreaks are commonly associated with poor sanitation, contaminated water, and crowded living conditions, often exacerbated by natural disasters or conflicts that disrupt water and sanitation systems.
Causes
Cholera is caused by ingesting water or food contaminated with the Vibrio cholerae bacterium. There are numerous strains of this bacterium, but the most pathogenic ones belong to the serogroups O1 and O139. Once ingested, the bacteria colonize the small intestine and release cholera toxin, leading to the secretion of large amounts of water and electrolytes into the intestinal lumen.
Transmission
The primary mode of transmission is the fecal-oral route, typically through:
*Contaminated drinking water
* Contaminated food, especially seafood
*Raw or undercooked foods that are handled by infected persons
Symptoms
Symptoms of cholera can range from mild to severe and typically appear within 2 to 5 days after exposure. The most common symptoms include:
– Profuse, watery diarrhea (often described as “rice-water stools”
– Vomiting
– Rapid heart rate
– Loss of skin elasticity (dehydration)
– Dry mucous membranes
– Low blood pressure
– Thirst
– Muscle cramps
Severe cases can lead to acute renal failure, severe electrolyte imbalances, and shock. Without prompt treatment, severe cholera can be fatal within hours.
Diagnosis
Diagnosing cholera involves a combination of clinical and laboratory methods:
1. .Clinical Diagnosis -: Based on the characteristic symptoms of severe watery diarrhea and rapid dehydration.
2. Laboratory Tests
Stool Culture -The most definitive test, identifying Vibrio cholerae is stool samples.
Rapid Diagnostic Tests (RDTs): Used in field settings to quickly identify cholera outbreaks.
– Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) / A more sophisticated method for detecting cholera bacteria.
Treatment
The cornerstone of cholera treatment is rapid rehydration. Other treatments include:
1. Oral Rehydration Therapy (ORT): A simple solution of salts and glucose in water, which is effective for most patients ..
2. Intravenous Fluids: For patients with severe dehydration who cannot drink enough fluids orally.
3. Antibiotics: Used in severe cases to reduce the duration of diarrhea and the volume of rehydration fluids required. Common antibiotics include doxycycline, azithromycin, and ciprofloxacin.
4. Zinc Supplements: Particularly beneficial for children, as they can reduce the duration and severity of diarrhea.
Prevention
Preventing cholera involves a combination of public health strategies:
1. Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH).
– Ensuring access to clean and safe drinking water.
– Proper sewage disposal and sanitation.
– Promoting handwashing with soap and safe food handling practices.
2. Vaccination.
– Oral cholera vaccines (OCVs) are an effective tool in controlling outbreaks. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends their use in endemic areas and during outbreaks.
3. Health Education
– Educating communities about cholera transmission and prevention.
Public Health Impact
Cholera remains a global threat, particularly in regions with inadequate water and sanitation infrastructure. According to the WHO, cholera affects an estimated 1.3 to 4.0 million people worldwide each year, causing 21,000 to 143,000 deaths. The disease disproportionately affects vulnerable populations, including those in refugee camps, slums, and areas affected by natural disasters or conflict.
Conclusion
Cholera is a preventable and treatable disease that continues to challenge public health systems around the world. Effective management and prevention require a multifaceted approach, including rapid response to outbreaks, improving water and sanitation infrastructure, vaccination, and health education. Global efforts to control cholera are crucial in reducing the disease burden and preventing future outbreaks.
…….…………….Adelekan Oluwaseun Ojo, is a counseling psychologist, and a business & health consultant with Jigsimur Zdex Int’l, a company which is into the production and distribution of Jigsimur herbal health drink, a natural curative and preventive herbal medicine from South Africa.
For personal consultation, you can contact us on 07089225319 or 08035122399