Cholera claims lives in hours: How to survive?

KATHMANDU: In Nepal, a cholera outbreak has been confirmed among 10 people at two locations.

Officials in Lalitpur’s Godawari area, where cholera was detected, anticipate its containment.

Similarly, officials have identified cholera among 3 individuals in Dhangadhi, Kailali.

Dr. Yaduchandra Ghimire, Director of Epidemiology and Disease Control at the Ministry of Health, stated, “Cholera seen in Godawari has not spread beyond.”

Nepal faces challenges not only from floods and landslides during monsoon but also due to insufficient safe drinking water supply and poor sanitation, exacerbating cholera fears in both rural and urban areas. The largest cholera epidemic in recent years was reported in Jajarkot, Mid-Western Region, in 2009, claiming hundreds of lives. Similarly, in 2021, an outbreak affected three municipalities including Krishnanagar Municipality in Kapilvastu.

Cholera is a severe diarrheal disease. If untreated promptly, it can lead to death within hours. It is caused by the bacterium Vibrio cholerae and can be successfully treated with oral rehydration using saline solutions. Immediate treatment with antibiotics and saline is necessary in severe cases. Safe water and sanitation are crucial in preventing other waterborne diseases, including cholera.

Symptoms of cholera include continuous watery diarrhea and severe dehydration. Even if symptoms are not evident, an infection may still be present, and cholera bacteria can remain in a person’s body for several days before symptoms appear.

Dr. Prakash Budhathoki, spokesperson for the Ministry of Health and Population, emphasized the need to avoid a cholera epidemic or pandemic. “If the situation is not controlled promptly, it can spread rapidly. Therefore, health checks for everyone in affected areas are crucial,” he said. “Cholera-causing bacteria are present in Nepal; preventive measures are essential.”

The main cause of cholera is the bacterium Vibrio cholerae, primarily transmitted through contaminated water or food. Lack of proper sanitation and clean drinking water increases the risk of this disease spreading.

According to infectious disease specialist Dr. Sher Bahadur Pun, “Cholera is transmitted through contaminated food or water. Poor hygiene and inadequate clean water supply contribute to the spread of this disease.”

Dr. Pun highlighted three key measures to control cholera: ensuring safe water, personal hygiene, and further monitoring. He stressed the importance of clean and safe water consumption as a critical preventive measure.

According to the World Health Organization, cholera affects 13 to 40 million people annually worldwide, with 21,000 to 143,000 deaths attributed to the disease.