Cholera is an acute intestinal infection with a long history of outbreaks. It already claimed the lives of many and continues to do so even today. More than 100, 000 people in various parts of the world fall victim to this disease annually. Often prevalent in places with poor sanitation and overcrowding, it also severely impacts countries that struggle with war and famine. Learn more on what is cholera through its causes, history, symptoms, treatment, and prevention.
Causes
The Vibrio cholerae bacterium, which thrives in contaminated water, causes cholera. Factors that can lead to a cholera outbreak include a faulty drainage system and an untreated water supply. This illness usually shows in areas that have wells or water pumps instead of plumbing, along with places where people lack regard for hygiene.
Eating crops or vegetables can contribute to the onset of disease if these are grown with water that is contaminated with human waste matter. Other causes include raw or undercooked seafood, unsanitary street food and drinks, and tap water.
History
Outbreaks of cholera have been recurring many times throughout history. Before the advent of science, people consulted their beliefs and superstitions to find an explanation for the growing number of fatalities.
People knew nothing about the true nature of cholera until the discoveries of an English doctor named John Snow. In 1854, a cholera outbreak swept through a heavily-populated part of London. Snow tried to map out the cases. He found out that the majority of cholera cases were located along Broad Street. Snow also recalled patients who preferred drinking water from the Broad Street pump, even though it was quite far from their homes.
The findings pointed out that contaminated water from the Broad Street pump caused the cholera outbreak. Snow called for disuse of the pump and the outbreak finally subsided. To this day, Dr. John Snow is known as the father of epidemiology. His efforts on tracing cholera cases paved the way for modern epidemiological methods.
Symptoms
The symptoms of cholera can vary among patients. They could range from mild to serious. Some of the known symptoms of cholera include:
- Watery stool or severe diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Cramping in the lower extremities
- Rapid heart rate
- Irritability and restlessness
- Dryness in the eyes, sides of the mouth, nose and throat
When not treated immediately, these symptoms could lead to more complications such as dehydration, extreme weakness, acute renal failure, coma, shock, and even death. Patients may die in as little as several hours if they do not get immediate medical attention.
Treatment
Rehydration is the most crucial way of relieving cholera. Patients receive an adequate supply of oral rehydration solutions and electrolytes. Severe cases of cholera require intravenous fluids and a stay in a hospital. All forms of treatment must be given to affected people in a timely manner.
When patients lack access to intravenous fluids or oral rehydration solutions, homemade remedies may do. This alternative involves six teaspoons of sugar and one-half teaspoon of salt that are mixed with one liter of water.
Prevention
Effective ways of preventing cholera outbreaks include proper waste management, regular maintenance of drainage systems, and water treatment. People in rural areas can boil water to make it safe for drinking. Observance of personal hygiene, such as frequent washing of hands, is also a good way for preventing the onset of the disease.
