Is Cholera life threatening?

JEAY Healthcare
July 01, 2024

Hello, JEAY Family!❤️

Happy new month and happy new week! Welcome to July!🥳

Recently, there was an outbreak of Cholera in Lagos Nigeria which was spread across quickly. It is quite shocking as it hasn’t been a thing for a long time now.

This week, let's talk about this life-threatening health issue that is often taken lightly.

At JEAY Healthcare, we believe in empowering you with practical knowledge to stay healthy and informed. Let's explore what cholera is, how it spreads, its symptoms, and most importantly, how you can prevent it effectively.

Cholera is a highly contagious bacterial infection caused by Vibrio cholerae, often found in contaminated food and water. This bacterium releases toxins in the intestines, leading to severe diarrhea and dehydration, which can be just as life-threatening as every other deadly disease if not treated in time.

Cholera is mainly spread through:

Contaminated Water: Drinking water contaminated with Vibrio cholerae bacteria, often due to poor sanitation practices.

Contaminated Food: Consuming raw or undercooked seafood from polluted waters.

Poor Hygiene: Lack of proper handwashing and sanitation facilities contribute to the spread of Cholera.

Signs and Symptoms:

Symptoms of cholera can range from mild to severe and include:

•Watery Diarrhea: (Often described as "rice-water" stools due to their appearance and frequency.)

•Vomiting.

•Dehydration.

•Muscle Cramps: Due to electrolyte imbalances caused by fluid loss.

Prevention and Control:

1. Safe Drinking Your Water:

Boil or Treat Water: Ensure water is safe by boiling it or using water purification tablets before drinking or cooking.

Avoid getting water from contaminated sources: Stay away from drinking untreated water from rivers, lakes, or wells of unknown safety.

2. Hygiene Practices:

Handwashing: Wash hands thoroughly with soap and clean water, especially before handling food and after using the toilet.

Sanitation: Use toilets or latrines to prevent contamination of water sources with human waste.

3. Food Safety:

Cook Food Thoroughly: Cook all foods thoroughly, especially seafood. Avoid eating raw or undercooked seafood, they harbor cholera bacteria more.

Wash fruits, vegetables, etc: Rinse fruits and vegetables with safe water before eating, especially if consumed raw.

4. Vaccination:

Consult Healthcare Providers: In areas with cholera outbreaks, vaccination may be recommended by healthcare professionals, and it is highly advisable to do so.

5. Prompt Treatment:

Seek Medical Care: If you or someone around you shows symptoms of cholera (severe diarrhea and vomiting), seek medical attention immediately. Early treatment can save lives.

Cholera is preventable with simple but important steps like clean water, proper hygiene, and community education.

At JEAY Healthcare, your health is our priority. Share these cholera prevention tips with your loved ones. Together, let's create a healthier environment and prevent cholera outbreaks.

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Stay informed, stay safe.

Love,
Tolani from JEAY.