shot-button
Ganesh Chaturthi Ganesh Chaturthi
Home > Lifestyle News > Health And Fitness News > Article > Maintain hygiene urges doctor amid rising cholera cases

Maintain hygiene, urges doctor amid rising cholera cases

Updated on: 21 July,2024 09:35 AM IST  |  New Delhi
IANS |

Currently seen in Kerala and Gujarat, Cholera is a waterborne bacterial infection due to the bacterium Vibrio cholerae that is transmitted from one infected person to another due to contaminated water or food, especially seafood

Maintain hygiene, urges doctor amid rising cholera cases

Image for representational purpose only. Photo Courtesy: istock

Hygiene is crucial to curb the cholera outbreak, currently seen in Kerala and Gujarat, said a medical expert on Sunday.  


Cholera is a waterborne bacterial infection due to the bacterium Vibrio cholerae that is transmitted from one infected person to another due to contaminated water or food, especially seafood.


"Once ingested, the bacteria multiply within the small intestine and produce the cholera toxins that are responsible for the symptoms of severe watery diarrhoea also called 'rice water loose stools' and severe dehydration,” Dr Sujatha Thyagarajan, senior consultant – Paediatrics & Paediatric Intensive care, Aster RV Hospital in Bengaluru, said.


Kerala’s capital Thiruvananthapuram has seen a severe outbreak of cholera with reportedly one suspected death and 12 confirmed cases and 17 suspected cases are undergoing treatment. Several cases of cholera have also been reported from Gujarat and an area in a 2-kilometer radius has reportedly been declared as a cholera-affected area, under the Epidemic Diseases Act.

"The rapid loss of fluids and electrolytes, if not replaced quickly, can cause death. The spread can be rapid especially when there is limited clean water supply and unsanitary conditions reaching epidemic proportions very quickly," Dr Thyagarajan said.

She noted that cholera prevention is of utmost importance and requires a multi-pronged approach, adding that children and the elderly are highly vulnerable to severe dehydration, complications, and even death, and hence warrant prompt recognition and treatment.

"The focus must be on improving personal hygiene and ensuring access to clean potable water. It is important to ensure there are adequate sanitation practices to avoid contamination of sewage and safe water is provided at all times," she said.

She also recommended "proper cooking and safe handling of seafood".

"In general, adequate personal hygiene must be maintained at all times -- hand washing with soap after the toilet and before eating food."

Further, Dr Thyagarajan said once an outbreak is identified, the rapid spread must be contained aggressively through regular surveillance and prevention methods. "The main treatment of Cholera is timely rehydration through ORS (oral rehydration solution) or intravenous rehydration to replace the rapid fluid and electrolyte loss," she said, adding that antibiotics can help in severe cases.

This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever.

"Exciting news! Mid-day is now on WhatsApp Channels Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!

Register for FREE
to continue reading !

This is not a paywall.
However, your registration helps us understand your preferences better and enables us to provide insightful and credible journalism for all our readers.

Mid-Day Web Stories

Mid-Day Web Stories

This website uses cookie or similar technologies, to enhance your browsing experience and provide personalised recommendations. By continuing to use our website, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Cookie Policy. OK