Cholera .. 7 pandemics of the disease that claimed millions of lives around the world
With the spread of cholera in Syria, this disease that spread during the nineteenth century all over the world from its original home in the Ganges River delta in India returns to the scene, after which humanity suffers from 7 pandemics of the disease that claimed the lives of millions of people on all continents, the closest of which is It started in South Asia in 1961 and reached Africa in 1971 and the Americas in 1991.
? What is this disease? And how can it be prevented
? What is cholera
Cholera is an acute diarrheal infection caused by the bacterium Vibrio cholerae, most often caused by drinking contaminated water or eating contaminated food. Each year, cholera causes 3 to 5 million cases of infection and 100,000 to 120,000 deaths.
The short incubation period, ranging from 2 hours to 5 days, increases the vulnerability of cholera outbreaks to outbreaks.
Cholera is one of the most deadly diseases, causing acute diarrhea in both children and adults.
Although 3/4 of patients do not show any symptoms during the infection, which lasts from 7 to 14 days, it can cause death within hours if left untreated, especially for those with weakened immune systems. Asymptomatic patients also spread the bacteria through the stool, which can result in new infections.
disease prevention
With several steps, you can protect yourself from cholera, such as washing hands with soap and water frequently, especially after using the toilet and before eating.
You should only drink safe water, including bottled water or water that you have boiled or sterilized yourself. Even use bottled water to brush your teeth.
Hot beverages are generally considered safe, such as canned or bottled beverages, but the outside of the bottle should be wiped clean before opening. And don't add ice to your drinks unless you make it yourself using safe water.
Eat fully cooked and hot food and avoid street food, if possible. If you buy a meal from a street vendor, make sure it's cooked in your presence and served hot.
Avoid sushi, as well as raw or improperly cooked fish and seafood of any kind, and stick to fruits and vegetables that you can peel yourself, such as bananas, oranges and avocados. And stay away from salads, and fruits that cannot be peeled, such as grapes and berries.
cholera vaccine
For adults traveling from the United States to cholera-endemic areas, a vaccine called Vaccura is available in the United States. This vaccine is taken as a liquid orally at least 10 days before travel.
Oral vaccines are also available in many other countries, and even with the vaccine, it's important to take the precautions listed above to prevent cholera.
cholera in Syria
The Syrian Ministry of Health announced the death of at least 7 people in 3 Syrian governorates as a result of being infected with cholera, at a time when the disease is spreading in the country for the first time since 2009.
The ministry confirmed in a statement that the number of confirmed cases of cholera reached 53, distributed among 5 governorates out of a total of 14 throughout the country.
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