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Cholera is a disease caused by eating food and drinking water contaminated with the bacterium Vibrio cholerae.
A bacterium called Vibrio cholerae causes cholera infection. The deadly effects of the disease are the result of a toxin the bacteria produces in the small intestine. The toxin causes the body to secrete enormous amounts of water, leading to diarrhea and a rapid loss of fluids and salts (electrolytes).
Cholera bacteria might not cause illness in all people who are exposed to them, but they still pass the bacteria in their stool, which can contaminate food and water supplies.
According to MayoClinic, most people exposed to the cholera bacterium (Vibrio cholerae) don’t become ill and don’t know they’ve been infected.
But because they shed cholera bacteria in their stool for seven to 14 days, they can still infect others through contaminated water.
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Most cases of cholera that cause symptoms cause mild or moderate diarrhoea that’s often hard to tell apart from diarrhoea caused by other problems. Others develop more-serious signs and symptoms of cholera, usually within a few days of infection.
Contaminated water supplies are the main source of cholera infection. The bacterium can be found in:
- Surface or well water: Contaminated public wells are frequent 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.
- Grains: In Nigeria 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.
ROUNDCHECK noted its preventive measures and how to mitigate the ongoing pandemic of Cholera.
- 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, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
- Drink only safe water, including bottled water or water you’ve boiled or disinfected yourself.
- Eat food that’s completely cooked.
- Avoid street vendor food, if possible. If you do buy a meal from a street vendor, make sure it is 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- that are prepared outside without your knowledge.
