Cholera Questions 1-8

1. Cholera

2. Cholera is a infection caused by ingestion of food or water contaminated with the bacterium Vibrio cholerae. This bacteria produces a toxin that binds to the walls of the intestines. The body responds by secreting large amounts of water, causing diarrhoea and vomiting. As a result, people with cholera can become dehydrated very quickly. Untreated severe dehydration can cause serious health problems like seizures and kidney failures. There are an estimated 3–5 million cholera cases and 100 000–120 000 deaths due to cholera every year, but with simple treatment full recovery can be expected. 

3. During the 19th century, Cholera had a significant impact on the whole world by killing over millions of people across all continents. It originated from Ganga River in India where many people from around the world gathered to attended the  festivals. People that attended the festivals frequently contracted the disease there and carried it back to other parts of continent on their returns, where it  did spread. Therefore causing the first break out that affected the rest of the world. 

4. The disease occurs when the bacteria is indigested by food or water contaminated by human faeces that is infected with the bacteria of Vibrio cholerae. This is one reason why cholera is rare in countries with good sanitation systems. Flush toilets, sewer systems, and water treatment facilities keep faeces out of the food and water. Cholera also sometimes can spread after a natural disaster, like a flood. If people are living in tents or other places without proper sanitation systems this can cause the water to be infected. Cholera is not contagious, so you can't catch it from direct contact with another person.

Here is an article that tells you about the contaminated berries  causing Cholera and is an example of how it spreads. 

5. When someone is infected with the cholera bacterium, symptoms can appear in a few hours or as 5 days later. Some of the symptoms include; diarrhoea, nausea and vomiting, cramps in the abdomen and legs, lack of energy, unusual sleepiness, dry mouth and extreme thirst, dry skin, low body fluids output and low blood pressure. About 75% of people infected with Vibrio cholerae do not develop any symptoms, although the bacteria are present in their faeces for 7–14 days after infection. 

6. There are many different ways to treat Cholera and be cured of the disease. Replacing the lost fluids with water to stay hydrated is a key way to recover. Over 80% of people have been cured by Oral Rehydration Salts (ORS) as a supplement to clean water. Without rehydration, approximately half of the people that are infected with cholera die. Antibiotics can help with the diarrhoea side effect and also contribute to being dehydrated. Zinc supplements may shorten the duration of diarrhoea by over 50%

7. Raw foods carry the disease of Cholera, so cook food thoroughly and it it while its hot to prevent the disease. Fish is a major cause of Cholera and if not well-cooked it can carry the disease as well. Try not to mix cooked foods with raw foods like salads as it can contaminate the cooked food. Lastly, wash vegetables and fruit thoroughly in clean, treated water so no traces of the disease can be ingested. If one does not follow this procedure it can higher the chances of transmitting the disease.

8.A test that is performed on the individual to identify the disease cholera is called a stool analysis. For a stool analysis, a stool sample is collected in a clean container and then sent to the laboratory. Laboratory analysis includes microscopic examination, chemical tests, and microbiologic tests which all include forms of technology to analyse the sample. The stool will be checked for colour, consistency, amount, shape, odour, and the presence of mucus, this will then give the information to tell if they individual has Cholera.