Prevention and control of Cholera.

 

  • Definition:

    • Cholera is an infectious disease caused by the bacterium Vibrio cholerae. It primarily spreads through contaminated water and unsafe food that has been contaminated with human feces containing the bacteria.

  • Symptoms:

    • The classic symptom of cholera is large amounts of watery diarrhea lasting a few days.

    • Other symptoms include vomiting, muscle cramps, and dehydration.

    • Severe diarrhea can lead to rapid dehydration, causing sunken eyes, cold skin, decreased skin elasticity, and wrinkling of the hands and feet.

    • Dehydration can even cause the skin to turn bluish.

Transmission and Risk Factors:

  1. Cholera is caused by various types of Vibrio cholerae bacteria.

  2. Unsafe water and contaminated food are common sources of transmission.

  3. Risk factors include poor sanitation, insufficient clean drinking water, and poverty.

Diagnosis and Prevention:

  1. Cholera can be diagnosed through a stool test or a rapid dipstick test (although the latter is less accurate).

  2. Prevention methods include improved sanitation, access to clean water, and cholera vaccines.

    Treatment:

  1. The primary treatment for affected individuals is oral rehydration salts (ORS) to replace fluids and electrolytes.

  2. Rice-based solutions are preferred.

  3. In children, zinc supplementation can improve outcomes.

  4. Adults respond well to “Tetracycline”.

Remember that clean water and good hygiene play a crucial role in preventing cholera

 Commonly Asked Questions:

  1. What is “Cholera”? Explain in detail the causes, symptoms and treatment?

  2. Write a short note on “Cholera”.

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