Cholera

Cholera

What is cholera?

Cholera is a dangerous disease that spreads through contaminated water. It is caused by tiny germs called Vibrio cholerae bacteria. When a person drinks or eats food contaminated with these germs, they can fall very sick.

Most people with cholera may not feel sick at all, but some experience severe diarrhoea and dehydration, which can lead to death if not treated quickly. Cholera is common in African countries, especially in areas where people do not have access to clean drinking water and good sanitation.

How common is cholera in Africa?

  • The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that between 21,000 and 143,000 people die from cholera every year.
  • In Ghana, cholera outbreaks happen almost every year. Since the first major outbreak in 1970, about 41,000 cases are recorded yearly.
  • Other African countries like Nigeria, Sudan, and the Democratic Republic of Congo have also experienced severe outbreaks.

What are the symptoms of cholera?

Cholera symptoms can be mild or very severe. If you notice these signs, seek medical help immediately:

  • Diarrhoea: It happens suddenly and looks like “rice water.”
  • Vomiting and nausea: Feeling like throwing up and actually vomiting.
  • Dehydration (severe loss of water in the body): This can cause:
  • Feeling very weak or tired
  • Mood swings or irritability
  • Sunken eyes
  • Dry mouth
  • Shriveled skin
  • Extreme thirst
  • Less or no urination
  • Fast or irregular heartbeat
  • Low blood pressure

If dehydration becomes severe, the body loses important minerals (electrolytes), leading to:

  • Severe muscle cramps
  • Shock (a life-threatening condition where the body cannot get enough blood flow)
  • In children, additional symptoms may include:
  • Drowsiness
  • Fever
  • Convulsions (uncontrolled shaking of the body)
  • Coma

Who is at risk of getting cholera?

Anyone can get cholera, but some people are at a higher risk, such as:

  • People living in areas with poor sanitation (places with dirty water and no proper toilets)
  • People who stay with cholera patients
  • People with low stomach acid levels (stomach acid kills the cholera bacteria, so those with low acid levels are more vulnerable)
  • People with type O blood (scientists have found that people with this blood type are more likely to get severe cholera)
  • People who eat raw seafood (such as shrimp, crab, or shellfish from contaminated waters)

How to prevent cholera?

Cholera can be prevented by following these simple steps:

  • Wash your hands properly with soap and clean water, especially after using the toilet and before eating.
  • Eat hot, freshly prepared food. Avoid cold or leftover food.
  • Make sure your meals come from a trusted source (preferably home-cooked meals).
  • Wash fruits and vegetables well with salted or clean water before eating (e.g., kontomire, ayoyo leaves).
  • Drink only clean and safe water. If you are unsure about the water source:
  • Drink FDA-approved bottled or sachet water.
  • Boil tap water before drinking.

How is cholera treated?

If you or someone you know has cholera symptoms, seek medical help immediately. Treatment methods include:

  • Drinking oral rehydration salts (ORS) to replace lost fluids and minerals.
  • Receiving intravenous (IV) fluids at the nearest clinic or hospital.
  • Taking antibiotics and zinc supplements to help reduce diarrhea and speed up recovery.

What happens if cholera is not treated?

Cholera can kill within hours if untreated. Even in normal cases, without treatment:

  • People can die from severe dehydration within 6 to 12 hours after symptoms start.
  • Shock can set in within a few hours or days.
  • Other serious complications include:
  • Low blood sugar (which can lead to coma, especially in children)
  • Low potassium levels (which can cause heart problems and muscle weakness)
  • Kidney failure (which may require dialysis or lead to death)

Final message: Take cholera prevention seriously

Cholera is deadly but preventable. African countries continue to face cholera outbreaks due to poor sanitation and unsafe drinking water. You can protect yourself and your family by practicing good hygiene, drinking clean water, and seeking treatment immediately when symptoms appear.

Remember: Cholera kills fast, but prevention is simple.