Five health tips to take against cholera

Lara Adejoro

Since the beginning of the year, at least 17 people have succumbed to the preventable but deadly cholera. Cholera can kill within hours if untreated.

No fewer than 429 suspected cases have been reported from 11 states across 24 Local Government Areas in the country.

Both adults and children are at risk of contracting the disease, but children are mostly affected.

Unfortunately, most of those infected will have no or mild symptoms, but the bacteria are present in their faeces for one to 10 days after infection and are shed back into the environment, potentially infecting other people.

Cholera is an acute diarrhoeal infection caused by the ingestion of food or water contaminated with the bacterium Vibrio cholerae.

Cholera is a very contagious disease that can cause severe acute watery diarrhoea. It takes between 12 hours and five days for a person to show symptoms after ingesting contaminated food or water.

Below are the five health tips to take against cholera

1. Drink and use safe water: Drink clean bottled or boiled water. Make sure the water is also safely stored to avoid contamination. Use clean water to cook, brush, and wash your dishes and fruits and vegetable.
2. Use the toilet appropriately: Use toilets or manage the sanitation facilities safely even when you want to get rid of feaces. Ensure that you poop at least 30 metres (98 feet) away from any body of water, including wells, and then bury your poop.
3. Wash your hands with soap and water frequently: This is important, especially after using the toilet. Rub soapy, wet hands together for at least 15 seconds before rinsing. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer. You can never overdo this.
4. Eat cooked food: Eat thoroughly cooked foods: Don’t eat raw or undercooked meat or shellfish. If you can, avoid street vendor food, and if you must buy a meal from a street vendor, make sure it is cooked in your presence and served hot.
5. Disinfect surfaces, floors, furniture, and toilets. Clean food preparation areas and kitchenware with soap and treated water and let dry completely before reuse. Bathe and wash clothes or diapers 30 metres (100 feet) away from drinking water sources.

 Overall, a multifaceted approach is key to controlling cholera -A combination of surveillance, water, sanitation and hygiene, social mobilisation, treatment, and oral cholera vaccines are used.

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