CHOLERA-Causes-Symptoms-Treatment

WHAT IS CHOLERA?

Cholera is an infectious disease that causes severe watery diarrhea,
which can lead to dehydrationand even death if untreated. It is caused
by eating food or drinking water contaminated with a bacterium called
Vibrio cholerae.

Causes of Cholera

Vibrio cholerae, the bacterium that causes cholera, is usually found
in food or water contaminated by faeces from a person with the
infection. Common sources include:
*.Municipal water supplies
*.Ice made from municipal water
*.Foods and drinks sold by street vendors
*.Vegetables grown with water containing human wastes
*.Raw or undercooked fish and seafood caught in waters polluted with sewage.

Symptoms of cholera

Symptoms of cholera can begin as soon as a few hours or as long as
five days after infection. Often, symptoms are mild. But sometimes
they are very serious. About one in 20 people infected have severe
watery diarrheaaccompanied by vomiting, which can quickly lead to
dehydration. Although many infected people may have minimal or no
symptoms, they can still contribute to spread of the infection.

Signs and symptoms of dehydrationinclude:

*.Rapid heart rate
*.Loss of skinelasticity (the ability to return to original position
quickly if pinched)
*.Dry mucous membranes, including the inside of the mouth, throat,
nose, and eyelids
*. Low blood pressure
*.Thirst
*. Muscle cramps
If not treated, dehydration can lead to shock and death in a matter of hours.

Treatment of Cholera

Cholera is an easily treatable disease. The prompt administration of
oral rehydration salts to replace lost fluids nearly always results in
cure. In especially severe cases, intravenous administration of fluids
may be required to save the patient's life.
Left untreated, however, cholera can kill quickly following the onset
of symptoms. This can happen at a speed that has incited fear and
paralyzed commerce throughout history. Although such reactions are no
longer justified, cholera continues to be perceived by many as a
deadly and highly contagious threat that can spread through
international trade in food.