CHOLERA AWARENESS
Read to find out more about this disease...
How It's Transmitted
The cholera germs are found in infected people's feces. The disease spreads when the infected feces get into a water supply or the food. It's highly unlikely to spread directly from person to person.
Vibrio Cholera (the bacterium)
Poor Drainage Systems
Where Cholera's At 2010-13
Symptoms Of It
Symptoms include watery diarrhea and vomiting that leads to dehydration that can cause sunken eyes, dry mouth, and extreme thirst, among other things. Dehydration could lead to an electrolyte imbalance which could lead to muscle cramps or could even make you go into shock, which could lead to death.
Cholera Prevention in English (accent from Nigeria)
How To Treat It
Cholera is easily treated once identified. Since the main killer of cholera is the dehydration, oral rehydration salts can be used to replenish lost fluids.
An Expert On Cholera
“Cholera is a disease of poverty, linked to poor sanitation and a lack of potable water. Establishment of an adequate sanitation and potable-water system is the most definitive way to prevent and limit its spread.”
5 Ways To Prevent Getting It
- Always drink/use safe water
- Wash hands often with soap and clean water
- Use toilets or bury your feces at least 30 ft away from a body of water
- Cook food well; peel fruits/vegetables, keep it covered, and eat food hot
- Clean up safely; wash your things away from a drinking water source
The Story of Cholera
Interesting Facts
- 2 presidents in a row (James Polk and Zachary Taylor) died from cholera
- Italian scientist Filippo Pacini discovered cholera, but only got credit for it 82 years after he died
- There's been a Haiti outbreak lasting from Oct. 2010 to the present
- 3-5 million contract it annually, while 42,000-142,000 die from it annually