Kerala: High alert against cholera outbreak

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Health authorities have sounded high alert across the state in the wake of cholera cases reported from Palakkad and Malappuram districts. The cholera cases in Palakkad were traced to contaminated water supplied through Jalanidhi following which the authorities have been asked to clean up all water sources in ground zero. Potable drinking water will be supplied to such areas to prevent the consumption of contaminated water.

In Malappuram distrct, contaminated food sold through some of the hotels had caused cholera. “We have asked for immediate closure of such hotels to prevent the spread of the water borne disease. Some hotels have been shut. Food safety department has been asked to conduct surprise checks in hotels and restaurants to confiscate contaminated food products being supplied through such outlets,” said director health services Dr R. Ramesh.

Experts say if unchecked, cholera during monsoon can result in an epidemic. Coming as it is, close on the heels of diphtheria cases in some districts, the health department is not prepared to take chances. The district medical officers have been issued directions to ensure that all diarrhoeal disease cases coming to the hospitals are treated as suspected cholera.

Anti cholera measures have been stepped up.  Health inspectors have been directed to submit ground report from affected areas on a daily basis to formulate effective prevention and control strategy. Measures are being taken to provide potable drinking water, boiled water and medicine supply. The health and sanitation staff has been asked to carryout extensive cleanliness drive in affected areas.

Cholera; prevention, control and treatment: Cholera spreads in areas where water supplies, sanitation, food safety and hygiene practices are inadequate. It could begin with painless water diarrhoea or symptom free infection. The disease is caused by the bacterium vibrio cholerae. People get infected after consuming food or drinking water that has been contaminated by the faeces of infected person. Raw or uncooked seafood may also be a source of infection in areas where cholera is prevalent and sanitation is poor.

Vegetables and fruit that have been washed with water contaminated by sewage may also transmit the infection if v cholerae is present. Prevention of cholera: Have safe boiled drinking water, consumed properly cooked food,  proper personal hygiene and hygienic disposal of human excreta.

The treatment of cholera cases involve replacement of lost fluids and salts. The use of oral re-hydration salts (ORS) is the quickest and most efficient way. Most people recover in three to six days. If the infected person becomes severely dehydrated , intravenous fluids can be given, antibiotics are not necessary to successfully treat a cholera patient.