In News
- Recently, several countries across the world have reported a surge in cholera cases this year raising concerns about a global resurgence of the disease.Â
- These include Kenya, Malawi, Haiti and the Philippines.
Cholera
- About:
- Cholera is a bacterial disease usually spread through contaminated water. It causes severe diarrhea and dehydration.
- Symptoms:
- Severe watery diarrhea accompanied by vomiting which can quickly lead to dehydration.
- Spread:
- The risk of a cholera epidemic is highest when poverty, war or natural disasters force people to live in crowded conditions without adequate sanitation.
- Prevalence:
- Modern sewage and water treatment have virtually eliminated cholera in industrialized countries. But cholera still exists in Africa, Southeast Asia and Haiti.
- Prevention and control:
- A multifaceted approach is key to control cholera, and to reduce deaths. A combination of surveillance, water, sanitation and hygiene, social mobilization, treatment, and oral cholera vaccines are used.
Source: DTE
