Cholera : the infection you should be aware of
Coming from an impoverished country where there is a lot of pollution, it is important to acknowledge the danger of Cholera. A lot of people are not aware of certain areas and what can happen to do them, especially young adults.
Cholera is a bacterial infection that comes in the form of diarrhea. You can find the cholera bacterium in contaminated water or food, especially when the water is infected with poop stools.
According to Medline Plus, “Cholera infections are often mild. Some people don't have any symptoms. If you do get symptoms, they usually start 2 to 3 days after infection. The most common symptom is watery diarrhea.
In some cases, the infection can be severe, causing lots of watery diarrhea, vomiting, and leg cramps. Because you quickly lose body fluids, you are at risk for dehydration and shock. Without treatment, you could die within hours.”
Cholera primarily affects regions with inadequate access to clean water and sanitation facilities. The most affected areas are often in developing countries with overcrowded populations, poor hygiene practices, and limited healthcare resources. Commonly impacted regions include parts of sub-Saharan Africa, South Asia, and Central America. Cholera outbreaks can also occur in areas stricken by natural disasters or humanitarian crises where clean water supply and sanitation systems are compromised.
Why We Should Talk About Cholera More
Cholera remains a significant global health concern, impacting vulnerable communities across the world. By increasing awareness and discussing cholera more openly, we can address several crucial aspects:
Prevention: Talking about cholera educates individuals about the importance of clean water, sanitation, and hygiene practices. This knowledge is key in preventing cholera outbreaks and reducing transmission rates.
Early Recognition: Increased dialogue can help people recognize the signs and symptoms of cholera promptly. Early detection enables timely medical intervention, potentially saving lives and curbing the spread of the disease.
Community Engagement: Open discussions foster community engagement and encourage collaborative efforts to improve water and sanitation infrastructures. Empowering communities to take preventive actions is vital in combating cholera.
Policy Advocacy: By highlighting the impact of cholera on public health, we can advocate for policies and resources that support cholera prevention, treatment, and research. Discussions can drive political will and funding towards addressing this disease.
Global Solidarity: Cholera is a global challenge that requires collective action. Talking about cholera fosters global solidarity, encouraging support for affected regions and initiatives aimed at eradicating the disease.
What I recommend to do when staying in a potential cholera affected area :
Do not drink the water you are showering with. It would even be better to shower with big bottle of water from the supermarket (if there is one nearby).
Do not eat food created by the hand unless it is prepared by you in the most sanitary way. Do not eat salads from a place with questionable hygiene. Some fried foods might be good, but be aware of where they are cooked
Always have hand sanitizers
Be around a medical facility
Clean your area often with wipes
It might be difficult to take all the measurements in some areas because of limited resources, but it is important to be mindful of them.
Although, cholera does not seem to be occurring in developed countries (according to statistics), it is important to be aware of the hygiene practices and assess what to consume. Food and water can easily be harmful anywhere.
References
Courtesy of MedlinePlus from the National Library of Medicine
