Cholera in Developing Countries

HLT 555 (Environmental Health)

Grand Canyon University

Khadija Bah

06/10/15

CHOLERACholera is caused by Vibrio cholera, it is a

life threatening intestinal disease that poses severe health threats in the mostly underprivileged regions of developing countries.

Aquatic sources such as estuaries, dirty water, and people are major reservoirs of vibrio cholera.

TRANSMISSION OF CHOLERA

Transmission of cholera is by eating or drinking food or water that has been polluted by human waste.

Bathing and doing other household chores e.g. washing utensils in contaminated water such as surface water or shallow wells.

SYMPTOMS

Profuse diarrhea ( frequent passing of watery stools)

Vomiting

Leg cramps

TreatmentProfuse diarrhea can cause

dehydration, shock and even death.

Replace fluids immediately with Oral Dehydration Solution(ORS) or intravenous fluids.

Vaccine is also available

Prevention Always drink only clean and safe water, if unsure

boil the water. Do not defecate in streams and rivers or near wells

that provide water for people to drink or to bathe. Always keep clean water covered and use a clean

cup to take water from the bowl or bucket. Wash your hands properly after using the toilet and

before touching any food. Always cover your food to keep away flies and other

pests. Flies can transfer the germs that cause cholera from faeces to your food.

Practice good personal hygiene and good sanitation at homes and in the environment.

Preparing Oral Dehydration Solution

(ORS)To prepare ORS, you need the following things:

Sugar, Salt, clean water, a clean bowl and teaspoons or tablespoons.

Pour 3 soft drink bottles of clean water into the bowl.

Add 10 level teaspoons of sugar or 5 cubes of sugar

Add 1 level teaspoon of table salt. Mix the water and cover the bowl.

REFERENCES MSF (2014). http://

www.doctorswithoutborders.org/our-work/medical-issues/cholera?utm_source=google&utm_medium=ppc&utm_campaign=cholera

WHO, (2015). Prevention and control of cholera outbreaks: WHO policy and recommendations http://www.who.int/cholera/technical/prevention/control/en/