Cholera cases have continued to be recorded in some states in Nigeria. The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control Director-General, Dr Chikwe Ihekweazu, listed Bauchi, Plateau, Kano, Niger, Zamfara and Kaduna as some of the affected states. The Federal Capital Territory Minister of State, Dr Ramatu Aliyu, said 60 persons died of suspected cholera in six area councils, adding that suspected cases had risen to 698. In Plateau State, the disease has killed 21 people and infected 1144 in two months as of Wednesday.
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The World Health Organisation described cholera as an acute diarrhoeal infection caused by ingestion of food or water contaminated with the bacterium vibrio cholerae.
It was gathered that the disease was first reported in Jos North Local Government Area in May, 2021.
However, within two months the disease has spread to 13 other local government areas.
With the exception of four council areas such as Mikang, Lantang South, Pankshin and Kanke, other LGAs that have been affected by the disease, as noted by the state Commissioner for Health, Dr Nimkong Lar, were Jos North, Jos South, Riyom, Kanam, Bokkos, Wase, Mangu, Bassa, Jos East, Barkin Ladi, Qua’anpan, Langtang North and Shendam.
Findings also showed that most of the infections were recorded in rural communities while all the dead victims were said to be those didn’t report to the hospital on time for treatment.
Cholera is an infectious disease caused by bacteria. Due to this, there may be a lack of water in the body, and the body gets dehydrated. There can be a risk of death if the patient is not treated in time. It is caused by eating contaminated food or water. This disease is caused by the Vibrio Cholerae Bacterium.
Some affected individuals have copious amounts of diarrhea and develop dehydration so severe it can lead to death. Most people who get the disease ingest the organisms through food or water sources contaminated with V. cholerae. Although symptoms may be mild, some previously healthy people will develop a copious diarrhea within about one to five days after ingesting the bacteria.
1) Symptoms Of Cholera
Symptoms of Cholera are noticeable within a few hours or five days after infection. . Often, the symptoms are mild. . But sometimes they can be severe. . One person from 20 infected people suffers from lack of water with vomiting which quickly turns into dehydration. . Although many infected people have minimal or no symptoms, they can still contribute to the spread of the infection. . Cholera causes vomiting, loose stools, fatigue, and muscle cramps.
2) Cholera treatment and prevention
Vaccine is available against Cholera. . Both the CDC and the World Health Organization have specific guidelines regarding the vaccine. . Cholera can be prevented by adopting some home remedies. . You can protect yourself and your family members by using only boiled water. . Bottled, boiled, or chemically disinfected water should be used for drinking, preparing food, cleaning teeth, washing face and hands, washing dishes, cleaning fruits and vegetables.
To disinfect your water, boil it for a minute or filter it. . Avoid using raw food. 3) Hydration is the mainstay of cholera treatment. . Antibiotics are not part of emergency treatment for mild cases. . But, these drugs can reduce the duration of diarrhea by half. They also help to reduce the excretion of bacteria and help to prevent the spread of the disease.
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