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Cholera is a bacterial infection that affects the small intestine and causes severe diarrhea and dehydration. The bacterium that causes cholera is called Vibrio cholerae and is usually spread through contaminated water or food. Cholera symptoms usually appear within a few hours to 2 days after infection and can include:
- Watery diarrhoea
- Nausea and vomiting
- Abdominal cramps
- Rapid heart rate
- Dry skin and mouth
- Low blood pressure
Untreated cholera can quickly lead to dehydration, which can be life-threatening, especially in children and older adults. Cholera can be treated with oral rehydration therapy and antibiotics. Preventing cholera requires access to clean water and improved sanitation facilities, as well as prompt treatment of cases. Vaccination is also available for people travelling to areas where cholera is common.
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Key Terms: Cholera, Cholera Bacteria, Diarrheal diseases, contamination, vaccination, Vibrio cholerae
Cholera Bacteria
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Cholera is a bacterium that causes acute diarrheal disease. It is transmitted through contaminated water or food and primarily affects developing countries with poor sanitation conditions.
- Vibrio cholerae is a Gram-negative bacterium that causes cholera, an acute diarrheal disease.
- It is found in water and food sources contaminated by faeces of infected individuals.
- Cholera spreads through contaminated water or food and its symptoms include watery diarrhea, vomiting, and dehydration.
- It can be treated with oral rehydration therapy and antibiotics.
- Cholera is preventable through improved sanitation and hygiene practices.
Vibrio cholerae
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Causes of Cholera
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Vibrio cholerae is the scientific name for cholera bacteria, which is gram-negative and curving and comma-shaped. Coastal saltwater areas and sewage are the most common sources of infection. The bacteria of cholera release exotoxin into the small intestine, causing a water and electrolyte influx into the intestine. They reside in the human body's small intestine, releasing exotoxin. The causes of cholera include -
- Infection with Vibrio cholerae bacteria: Cholera is caused by the Vibrio cholerae bacteria, which is usually transmitted through contaminated water or food.
- Poor sanitation: Cholera is often associated with areas with poor sanitation and hygiene, where faecal contamination of water sources is common.
- Lack of access to clean water: In areas where clean water is not readily available, people are more likely to consume contaminated water, increasing their risk of cholera.
- Crowded living conditions: Cholera can spread rapidly in crowded living conditions, such as refugee camps, where people are in close proximity and hygiene is difficult to maintain.
- Natural disasters: Natural disasters such as hurricanes, floods, and earthquakes can disrupt water and sanitation systems, increasing the risk of cholera outbreaks.
Symptoms of cholera
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Cholera is an acute diarrheal disease that causes severe dehydration. The symptoms of cholera usually develop within a few hours to 5 days after infection and can include –
- Watery diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Leg cramps
- Sunken eyes
- Dry mouth and skin
- Rapid heart rate
- Low blood pressure
- Muscle weakness
In severe cases, symptoms can progress quickly, leading to dehydration, shock, and death if not treated promptly.
Prevention of cholera
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The prevention of Cholera involves the following measures:
- Improving Water and Sanitation - Providing clean water, proper sanitation and waste management to reduce the spread of the disease.
- Vaccination - Cholera vaccines can provide partial protection for a limited period of time.
- Hygiene: Washing hands regularly with soap and water, especially after using the toilet and before eating.
- Food Safety: Cook food thoroughly, especially seafood, and drink only boiled or treated water.
- Early Treatment: Seek medical attention if experiencing symptoms such as diarrhea, vomiting, and dehydration.
- Education and Awareness: Raising public awareness about cholera transmission and prevention.
- Surveillance and Response: Monitoring outbreaks and implementing rapid response measures to control their spread.
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| Related Concepts | ||
|---|---|---|
| Tuberculosis | Dengue Fever | Hepatitis |
| Haemophilia | Jaundice | Thalassemia |
| Smallpox | Pituitary Gland | Goitre |
Things to Remember
- Disease is a condition in which the condition of the normal human body deteriorates.
- Cholera is a bacterial disease caused by the bacterium Vibrio cholerae.
- Some of the common symptoms of cholera include high fever, sudden weight loss, nausea, etc.
- Cholera can be caused by factors such as drinking contaminated water supply.
- A preventive measure for protection from cholera includes drinking boiled water.
Sample Questions
Ques 1: Is cholera an infectious disease? Explain in detail. (2 marks)
Ans. Yes, cholera is an infectious disease caused by the bacterium Vibrio cholerae. It spreads through contaminated water or food and is highly contagious.
- The bacterium infects the intestines and causes severe diarrhea, leading to dehydration and electrolyte imbalances in the body.
- Cholera can be prevented by proper sanitation and hygiene, as well as by vaccination.
Ques 2. What is cholera and what causes it? (2 marks)
Ans. Cholera is a bacterial infection that affects the digestive system, causing severe diarrhea and dehydration. It is caused by the bacterium Vibrio cholerae, which spreads through contaminated water or food.
Ques 3. What are the symptoms of cholera and how does it affect the body? (2 marks)
Ans. The symptoms of cholera include sudden onset of watery diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal cramps, and rapid loss of fluids from the body.
It can cause dehydration and electrolyte imbalances, leading to serious health complications if left untreated.
Ques 4. How does cholera spread from person to person? (1 mark)
Ans. Cholera spreads from person to person through contaminated food or water. The bacterium Vibrio cholerae is present in the stool of infected individuals and can contaminate water sources and food, leading to the spread of the disease.
Ques 5. Who is most at risk of contracting cholera? (1 mark)
Ans. Cholera is a disease that affects people living in areas with poor sanitation and hygiene, such as slums and refugee camps. Children and people with weakened immune systems are also more susceptible to the disease.
Ques 6. What can be done to prevent the spread of cholera? (2 marks)
Ans. Preventing the spread of cholera requires proper sanitation and hygiene measures, such as using clean water for drinking and washing, washing hands regularly, and avoiding contaminated food and water sources. Additionally, cholera vaccines are available and can be effective in reducing the risk of infection.
Ques 7. How is cholera treated? (2 marks)
Ans. Cholera can be treated with oral rehydration solutions or intravenous fluids in severe cases. Antibiotics may also be used to reduce the duration of the disease and to prevent the spread of the bacterium to others. The mortality rate for cholera is low if treated promptly, but can be high in severe cases without treatment.
Ques 8. What are the long-term consequences of cholera for the affected individual? (2 marks)
Ans. The long-term consequences of cholera depend on the severity of the disease and the individual's overall health. People with weakened immune systems or those who do not receive prompt treatment may develop severe health complications, including malnutrition and chronic diarrhea.
Ques 9. How can cholera outbreaks be prevented in communities? (2 marks)
Ans. Cholera outbreaks can be prevented in communities by improving sanitation and hygiene practices, such as providing clean water sources, improving waste disposal systems, and promoting handwashing. Health education campaigns and vaccination programs can also be effective in reducing the risk of outbreaks.
Ques 10. What are the risk factors for cholera? (5 marks)
Ans. The factors that contribute to the risk of cholera:
- Lack of clean water and poor sanitation - Cholera is caused by contaminated water or food, so living in an area with poor water and sanitation conditions increases the risk of infection.
- Travel - People who travel to areas with high levels of cholera are at higher risk of contracting the disease.
- Crowded living conditions - Cholera can spread quickly in overcrowded areas where people live in close proximity to each other, such as refugee camps or urban slums.
- Age - Children under 5 years old and adults over 60 are at higher risk of severe cholera due to their weakened immune systems.
- Malnutrition - People who are malnourished are more likely to contract cholera.
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