Cholera is a bacterial infection of the small bowel that can cause severe diarrhea and dehydration. A person gets cholera by drinking water or eating food infected with the bacterium. The bacterium that causes Cholera is usually transmitted by water contaminated with human feces, but it can also be transmitted by ingesting contaminated food, especially raw or undercooked seafood and shellfish

Symptoms of Cholera

The main symptom is watery diarrhea, which can be severe enough to rapidly drain the body of vital water, salts, and minerals. The first watery stool appears 1 to 3 days after infection, and from then on the body can lose up to one liter of liquid an hour. Vomiting may appear at the same time.

Other symptoms of severe cholera are: Muscle cramps, Reduced or no urination, WeaknessLow pulse, Sunken-looking eyes, Wrinkled skin on fingers

Prevention tips for cholera

1. Drink only bottled, boiled, or chemically treated water.

2. Use bottled, boiled, or chemically treated water to wash dishes and brush teeth.

3. Peel all fruit and vegetable skins before eating.

4. Keep flies away from food.

5. Avoid ice cubes (unless they are made from purified water), ice cream, unpasteurized milk, and salads, which can easily be contaminated with bacteria.

6. Cook all foods thoroughly and eat them while they're hot.

7. be especially careful of shellfish, as they are often a source of Vibrio.

8. Avoid foods and drinks from street vendors.

9. Wash hands often with soap and water.

When to see a doctor

If you think that you might have cholera, immediately start drinking oral rehydration solutions (made from purified water, sugar, and salts)

Book an appointment here for your health diagnosis or visit us at 8 Mobolaji-Bank Anthony Way, Ikeja Lagos.

Call: 01-6291000