Cholera

Subject: Community Health Nursing II

Overview

If left untreated, the infectious disease cholera causes severe watery diarrhea that can cause dehydration and even death. It is brought on by consuming food or water tainted with the Vibrio cholera bacterium. Other countries of the world continue to struggle with epidemics of cholera. The CDC and World Health Organization do not often advise the cholera vaccination because it only lasts a few months and may not prevent up to half of those who receive it.

Cholera

If left untreated, the infectious disease cholera causes severe watery diarrhea that can cause dehydration and even death. It is brought on by consuming food or water tainted with the Vibrio cholera bacterium.

Other countries of the world continue to struggle with epidemics of cholera. Annual reports of cases to the World Health Organization total at least 150,000.

The disease is especially prevalent in areas that experience starvation, war, inadequate sanitation, and overcrowding. South Asia, sections of Africa, and Latin America are common locales. The following cholera facts will help to safeguard you and your family if you are visiting one of those regions.

PHC Issue

The CDC and World Health Organization do not typically advise the cholera vaccine because it only lasts a few months and may not protect up to half of those who receive it. However, you can safeguard yourself and your loved ones by only consuming boiled, chemically disinfected, or bottled water. For the following uses, make sure to use bottled, boiled, or chemically disinfected water:

  • Drinking
  • Preparing food or drinks
  • Making ice
  • Brushing your teeth
  • Washing your face and hands
  • Cleaning the utensils and dishes you use to consume or prepare food
  • Fruit and vegetable washing

Boil water for one minute (or three minutes at higher altitudes) to disinfect it, or filter it and use a commercial chemical disinfectant. Additionally, stay away from raw foods, such as the following:

  • Peeled produce and fruits
  • Milk and milk products without pasteurization
  • Meat or shellfish that is raw or undercooked
  • Fish taken from tropical reefs that might be tainted

In the event that you experience severe, watery diarrhea and vomiting, especially after consuming raw shellfish or visiting a nation where cholera is widespread, seek medical attention right once. Although cholera is quite treatable, it's crucial to start treatment as soon as possible because dehydration can occur suddenly.

The cornerstone of cholera treatment is hydration. Depending on the severity of the diarrhea, oral or intravenous fluid replacements will be used as treatment. For minor cases, emergency care does not include antibiotics, which kill the germs. However, they can cut the time that diarrhea lasts in half and also lessen the amount of bacteria that are excreted, which helps to stop the disease from spreading.

REFERENCE

Ambika Rai, Kabita Dahal. Community Health Nursing II. Kathmandu: Makalu Publication House, 2012 (reprint).

Dr.Suwal S.N. & Tuitui R. (2063) A Textbook of Community Health Nursing, 1st edition, Vidyarthi Prakashan (P). Ltd. Kamalpokhari, Kathmandu

HealthLine. 2005. 2017 http://www.healthline.com/health/cholera

MedicineNet. 1996. 2017 http://www.medicinenet.com/cholera/article.htm

Medscape. 1994. 2017 http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/962643-overview

Tuitui, Roshani. Community Health Nursing. Kathmandu: Vidyarthi Prakashan (P.)
Things to remember
  • If left untreated, the infectious disease cholera causes severe watery diarrhea that can cause dehydration and even death.
  • It is brought on by consuming food or water tainted with the Vibrio cholera bacterium.
  • The disease is especially prevalent in areas that experience starvation, war, inadequate sanitation, and overcrowding.
  • The CDC and World Health Organization do not often advise the cholera vaccination because it only lasts a few months and may not prevent up to half of those who receive it.
Questions and Answers

If left untreated, the infectious disease cholera can cause severe watery diarrhea, dehydration, and even death. It is brought on by consuming food or water tainted with the Vibrio cholera bacterium.

Cholera epidemics continue to be a major issue in various parts of the world. Annual reports of cases to the World Health Organization total at least 150,000.

The disease is especially prevalent in areas that experience starvation, war, inadequate sanitation, and overcrowding. South Asia, sections of Africa, and Latin America are common locales. The following cholera facts will help to safeguard you and your family if you are visiting one of those regions.

PHC Issue

The CDC and World Health Organization do not often advise the cholera vaccination because it only lasts a few months and may not prevent up to half of those who receive it. However, you can safeguard yourself and your loved ones by only consuming boiling, chemically disinfected, or bottled water. For the following uses, make sure you use bottled, boiled, or chemically disinfected water

  • Drinking
  • Preparing a meal or beverage
  • Getting ice
  • Cleaning your face and hands and your teeth
  • Cleaning the equipment and plates you use to consume or prepare food
  • Fruit and vegetable washing

Boil water for one minute (or three minutes at higher altitudes) to disinfect it, or filter it and apply a commercial chemical disinfectant. You should also stay away from uncooked foods, particularly the following.

  • Fruits and vegetables without peels
  • Milk and milk products without pasteurization
  • Meat or shellfish that is raw or undercooked
  • Fish taken from tropical reefs that might be tainted

Seek emergency medical attention if you experience severe, watery diarrhea and vomiting, especially if you've recently eaten raw shellfish or are visiting a region where cholera is widespread. Although cholera is quite treatable, it's crucial to start treatment as soon as possible because dehydration can occur suddenly.

The cornerstone of cholera treatment is hydration. Depending on the severity of the diarrhea, oral or intravenous fluid replacements will be used as treatment. For mild cases, emergency care does not include antibiotics, which kill the bacteria. However, they can cut the time that diarrhea lasts in half and also lessen the amount of bacteria that are excreted, which helps to stop the disease from spreading.

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