Cholera is an acute intestinal infection caused by the bacterium Vibrio cholerae, which remains a serious public health problem worldwide. Affecting 3-5 million people each year and causing between 28,800 and 130,000 deaths, it is particularly prevalent in regions with low hygiene standards and inadequate water and sanitation infrastructure.
Regional Risks and Affected Communities
Cholera usually occurs in low- and middle-income countries. Africa and Southeast Asia are among the main regions at high risk of the disease. It is rarely seen in high-income countries. Children are among the groups most affected by this disease. In crowded communities living under harsh conditions such as war, poverty and natural disasters, cholera can spread rapidly and can be fatal.
How is it transmitted?
Cholera is transmitted through the consumption of water and food contaminated with the feces of infected people. The incubation period of infection can vary from a few hours to five days, but typically lasts 2-3 days. Infectiousness persists as long as the cholera agent is present in the feces.
Symptoms
Most cholera infections are mild or asymptomatic. However, in some cases, symptoms such as severe diarrhea, abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting may occur. The most characteristic symptom is copious, watery stools, sometimes described as “rice water”. This can cause severe fluid and electrolyte loss, leading to rapid dehydration and, in some cases, death.
Diagnosis and Treatment
Cholera is usually diagnosed by laboratory analysis of stool or vomit samples. Early diagnosis and prompt treatment are vital. Treatment is mainly based on replacing lost fluids and salts. In severe cases, intravenous fluid replacement may be required. Antibiotics can shorten the duration of the disease and reduce contagiousness, but the main treatment is fluid replacement.
Prevention and Vaccines
Cholera is largely preventable with clean water and good sanitation conditions. However, in some areas, access to such infrastructure can be difficult. In these cases, cholera vaccines can be an important preventive tool. While current vaccines do not provide complete protection against the disease, they are effective in limiting the spread of the disease in communities at risk. WHO's vaccine stockpile program, launched in 2013, has provided millions of doses of vaccine to areas in need.
In recent years, cholera outbreaks in countries such as Iraq, Syria and Haiti have demonstrated how quickly the disease can spread and lead to serious consequences. These outbreaks have once again highlighted the importance of access to clean water and the critical role of international cooperation in the fight against the disease.