Cholera is a serious illness caused by the bacteria Vibrio cholerae. This disease spreads through contaminated food or water. If not properly treated, it can be life threatening. Some months ago, there was an outbreak of cholera in Lagos, which claimed over 35 lives. Indeed, cholera outbreaks can pose serious health risks to families and communities, especially in areas with inadequate sanitation and access to clean water. Today’s post highlights how to protect yourself and family in the event of a cholera outbreak. Let’s get to it!
Know the Symptoms
Knowing the symptoms of cholera helps you to be able to accurately suspect a possible infection and seek timely medical attention. The common symptoms include:
- Severe diarrhea (watery and often sudden).
- Vomiting leading to dehydration.
- Muscle cramps due to loss of electrolytes.
- Severe dehydration could manifest with sunken eyes, dry skin, and extreme thirst
Keep Drinking Water Safe
Cholera is easily transmitted through contaminated water. Ensure your family drinks only safe water by:
- Boiling water
- Using water purification tablets and following the manufacturer’s instructions carefully
- Investing in water filters
- Storing drinking water safely in clean, covered containers.
Practice Proper Hand Hygiene
Hand hygiene is crucial in breaking the cycle of infection.
- Wash hands with soap and clean water after using the toilet, before eating, and before handling food.
- If soap and water are unavailable, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.
- Note that when your hands are soiled, hand sanitisers are not appropriate. Rather, wash your hands with soap and water.
Keep Foods Safe
Cholera can also spread through contaminated food. In the case of an outbreak,
- Cooking food thoroughly, especially seafood.
- Eating food while it’s still hot.
- Avoiding raw or undercooked foods during an outbreak.
- Washing fruits and vegetables with clean water or peeling them before consumption.
Ensure Proper Sanitation at Home
Proper sanitation is essential to control the spread of cholera:
- Use clean and functional toilets.
- Avoid outdoor defecation.
- Disinfect surfaces and common touchpoints with household bleach or disinfectants.
- Dispose of waste properly and avoid areas with poor sanitation.
Stay Informed and Follow Public Health Guidelines
The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) and other government agencies typically issue public health alerts and guidelines during outbreaks. Stay informed by:
- Monitoring updates from trusted sources like the NCDC and World Health Organisation.
- Following local public health advisories, including vaccination campaigns.
Seek Medical Attention Early
Cholera can lead to severe dehydration and death within hours if untreated. If symptoms arise, do not delay in visiting the nearest healthcare facility. Treatment often involves rehydration therapy and, in severe cases, antibiotics.
Remember that protecting yourself and family in times of a cholera outbreak requires vigilance and proactiveness. Stay informed, act quickly, and prioritize the health and safety of you and your folks during an outbreak.
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