Do You Know How Close You Are To Cholera Infection?

Cholera as an infectious disease, though not given much attention, has led many to their early graves.

It is caused by eating food or drinking water contaminated with a bacterium called Vibrio cholerae.

Also, poor sanitation, crowded environment as well as poor access to clean water have been identified as other drivers of this disease.

Cholera, according to health experts can lead to severe watery diarrhea, dehydration and even death if untreated.

Amen Lawal, a practicing doctor with University of Benin Teaching Hospital, in a chat with THE WHISTLER said “Cholera is a deadly disease, and it can easily be contacted from the foods we eat.

“That is why promoting hygiene as an individual cannot be ruled out in our everyday life, because these diseases thrive on poor hygiene.”

He decried the fact that most Nigerians are carefree when it comes to what they consume as food.

“In Nigeria today, we still have people that drink water from streams where feaces are dumped, even some foods sold by street vendors are also carrier of this disease.”

According to him, the symptoms of cholera can begin immediately or as long as five days after infection.

He advised people to consume boiled water, and water that has been chemically disinfected, or bottled water.

“Cholera outbreak is currently on the rise, so i would advise that we disinfect our water or boil our water for at least one minute before use, whether for drinking or cooking.

“Also, avoid raw foods such as unpeeled fruits and vegetables, raw or undercooked meat or shellfish,” he said.

THE WHISTLER had recently reported cases of deaths occasioned by the cholera infection in some parts of the country.

For example, the Bauchi state Commissioner for Health, Aliyu Maigoro had announced that the state recorded 20 deaths resulting from the recent cholera outbreak.

This was shortly followed by the reports of three deaths occasioned by cholera at the kubwa general hospital in Abuja.