Cholera Disease: Symptoms, Causes, and Prevention Tips You Should Know

In the densely populated streets of history, perhaps no disease has generated such terror as cholera. From the deadly pandemics of the 19th century to sporadic epidemics in flood-affected regions today, cholera continues to be a public health concern in most of the world, particularly where clean water and adequate sanitation remain an issue. Yet for all its notoriety, cholera is also one of the most avoidable diseases known to humanity. With correct information and prompt intervention, we can stop it in its tracks.

This blog will debunk all that you need to know about cholera disease, from the first symptoms to look out for to what causes it and how you can protect yourself and your loved ones. If you live in a high-risk zone or just want to know more, here are the things you need to be aware of.

What is Cholera?

Cholera is an acute diarrheal disease caused by the ingestion of food or water contaminated with the Vibrio cholerae bacterium. Cholera can dehydrate rapidly and, in extreme cases, it can kill, usually in hours if left untreated. While serious, cholera is treatable and, most importantly, preventable.

Although most individuals infected with the bacteria will not experience symptoms, those who do can become very sick quickly. This is why awareness and quick action are so important.

Identifying Early Cholera Signs

It's a lifesaver to be aware of cholera symptoms. The disease typically begins abruptly, occurring anywhere from several hours to five days after infection. The most frequent symptoms are:

• Watery diarrhoea: Typically referred to as "rice water stools" due to its whitish, milky appearance.
• Vomiting: Occasional vomiting happens with diarrhoea, leading to more fluid loss quickly.
• Muscle cramps: Result from the abrupt loss of salts and fluids.
• Increased heart rate: Both a sign of dehydration and electrolyte imbalance.
• Dry mouth and excessive thirst: Indications of mild to severe dehydration.
• Sunken eyes and low blood pressure: Both characteristics in severe cases.

In children, symptoms may also include drowsiness, irritability, and sunken fontanelles. If you or the person you are with develops any of these symptoms, particularly in relation to dirty water or unhygienic conditions, visit a doctor immediately.

The Root Causes of Cholera

Prevention of cholera is guaranteed if one knows its mode of transmission. Prevention of cholera hinges predominantly on two aspects: a contaminated water supply and food. The most common sources of cholera are:

• Contaminated drinking water: Faeces or sewage-contaminated water is one of the most frequent causes.
• Poor sanitation: Lack of proper toilet facilities and open defecation result in overall contamination.
• Raw or raw-looking seafood: Particularly shellfish harvested in contaminated water.
• Improper food handling: Food that is touched by an infected person or left uncovered provides an environment for bacteria to grow.
• Floods and natural disasters: They always combine clean and dirty water sources, creating the perfect setting for outbreaks.

Cholera is not normally spread from person to person, but indirect person-to-person spread by contact with contaminated surfaces or utensils, if there are no cleanliness habits, is possible.

Effective Cholera Prevention Strategies

Fortunately, the prevention of cholera is largely within our control. With some preventive, easy decisions, people and communities may minimise the risk of an outbreak. These are guidelines you must follow to protect yourself:

Drink Safe Water

• Use only boiled, bottled, or chemically disinfected water.
• Brush the teeth, wash the vegetables and fruits, and cook with fresh water.

Practice Good Sanitation

• Practice safe use of sanitary toilets and proper disposal of human excreta.
• Wash your hands with soap and clean water, especially before you eat or touch food and after you've used the toilet.

Eat Sensibly

• Avoid raw or undercooked food, particularly seafood.
• Consume just-cooked food and make sure it is hot.
• Do not consume street food if sanitation is doubtful.

Practice Personal Hygiene

• Shorten and keep fingernails neatly trimmed.
• Bathe in clean water and keep children away from dirty areas.

Preserve Food and Water Properly

• Continue to drink water in clean, covered containers.
• Use ladles or pour but never dip hands or cups in water containers.
• Refrigerate cooked food in clean, covered containers and refrigerate if necessary.

Get Vaccinated

While cholera vaccines are not foolproof, they can be beneficial for people living in high-risk regions or travelling to such areas.

Who is Most at Risk?

Though cholera can affect anyone, certain individuals are more prone to it:

• Children under five

• Individuals with compromised immune systems

• People residing in refugee camps or urban slums

• Communities without access to clean water or healthcare

For these groups of people, even minimal deviation from hygiene or sanitation can prove to be irreversible.

Cholera and Climate Change

Most appropriately, the issue of cholera today cannot be divorced from the larger environmental scenario. Climate change, with its increasingly unpredictable rainfall, floods, and population displacement, is contributing to the growing frequency and spread of cholera outbreaks. Areas that used to have fewer than a dozen cases are now plagued by recurring outbreaks. Constructing infrastructure to provide clean water and sanitation in such a scenario is not a developmental aspiration, but a survival necessity.

Final Reflection: Health is Preparedness

Cholera can sound like a relic from the past, but it's a contemporary issue, particularly in the context of urbanisation, displacement, and environmental strain. But it's one we can control. Prevention isn't just possible, but also viable, affordable, and accessible to most communities if there is individual effort and collective will. As we strive to achieve clean water, improved sanitation, and timely healthcare, we must also plan for the future. 

Medical emergencies brought on by cholera or any other unexpected disease can burden families with a massive financial cost. It is here that planning ahead with the right health insurance becomes crucial. At Niva Bupa, we can bring peace of mind, as well as financial protection at the time of need, making treatment dictated by care, not cost. Stay informed, stay clean, and above all, stay prepared. When dealing with cholera disease, knowledge is the best defence.

Disclaimer: The details provided above are intended for informational purposes only. For accurate medical guidance, please consult your healthcare provider. Health insurance benefits are governed by the terms and conditions of your policy. For further details, review your policy documents.

People Also Ask

Is cholera transmissible from person to person? 

Not typically. Cholera is contracted mainly by contaminated food or water. Lack of proper hygiene and sanitation practices, however, can lead to secondary transmission through surface or utensil spread. 

Are you ever totally cured of cholera?

Yes, with early treatment involving rehydration and antibiotics (in certain cases), most people get well completely. Early diagnosis of cholera symptoms is important in order to recover soon. 

How do you avoid cholera while traveling? 

Only use bottled or purified water, never ice cubes, eat food that is well-cooked, and practice good hand hygiene. Receive a cholera vaccine prior to travel to high-risk areas.

Is health insurance available for cholera treatment?

Most overall Medical insurance do cover infectious diseases like cholera. It's always better to check the fine print with your insurance company.