Cholera An Oral Rehydration
Cholera also knows as Asiatic cholera is an acute infectious disease of the small intestine caused by the bacterium Vibrio cholerae and characterized by profuse watery diarrhea, vomiting, muscle cramps, severe dehydration, and depletion of electrolytes.
Vibrio cholerae is transmitted through water contaminated with fecal matter. The bacterium colonizes in the small intestine and produces an enterotoxin (Choleragen) that interferes with G-proteins, therefore increasing cAMP levels. With Na+ and Cl- ion transporters disrupted, an ion imbalance occurs. Excess water and salts are excreted leading to a watery diarrhea, severe dehydration, and eventually, death.
The incubation period can be very short, less than one day, or up to five days in length. Most people infected with V. cholerae do not become ill, however, the bacterium is present in the faeces for 7-14 days following infection.
Early signs of the disease may include abdominal pain, mild fever, chills, and headache. Symptoms inevitably progress to acute, watery diarrhea followed by lethargy and dehydration. Without treatment, renal failure and shock may occur as the disease progresses.
Fluid replacement, intravenous or oral rehydration, is necessary to prevent acute dehydration. With adequate fluid replacement therapy mortality rates are about 1%. Without treatment, the death rate can exceed 60%.
These following guidelines can help not to be infected by V. cholerae:
• Drink only water that you have boiled or treated with chlorine or iodine.
• Other safe drinks include tea or coffee made with boiled water and carbonated bottled beverages with no ice.
• Eat only food that's been thoroughly cooked and is still hot, or fruit that you've peeled yourself.
• Avoid undercooked or raw fish and shellfish.
• Avoid raw salads and vegetables.
If you are infected with V. cholerae an effective solution can be made using ingredients...
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