Download KEY FACTS ABOUT CHOLERA Cholera is an acute diarrhoeal

KEY FACTS ABOUT CHOLERA
 Cholera is an acute diarrhoeal infection cause by ingestion of food or water contaminated
with the bacterium Vibrio cholera.
 Children as well as adults can get infected.
 Among people who develop symptoms, 80% have mild or moderate symptoms, while
around 20% develop acute watery diarrhea and vomiting with severe dehydration. This
can lead to death if untreated.
 Cholera transmission is closely linked to inadequate environmental management. Typical
at-risk areas include peri-urban slums, camps for internally displaced people or refugees,
where minimum requirements of clean water and sanitation are not met.
 Common sources of foodborne infection include raw or poorly cooked seafood, raw fruit
and vegetables, and other food contaminated during preparation or storage.
 Cholera is an easily treatable disease. Up to 80% of people can be treated successfully
through prompt administration of oral rehydration salts (WHO/UNICEF ORS standard
sachet)
 A multidisciplinary approach based on prevention, preparedness and response, along with
an efficient surveillance system, is key for mitigating cholera outbreaks.
HOW TO PROTECT YOURSELF/BASIC PRECAUTIONS
 Thorough washing of hands, especially before food preparation and eating.
 Drink only water that has been boiled or disinfected with chlorine, iodine or other
suitable products.
 Eat food that has been thoroughly cooked and is still hot when served.
 Be sure that meals bought from street vendors are thoroughly cooked in your
presence and do not contain any uncooked foods.
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OTHERS
 Beverages such as hot tea or coffee, carbonated water or soft drinks and bottled or
packaged fruit juices are usually safe to drink
 Avoid ice, unless you are sure that it is made from safe water
 Avoid raw seafood and other raw foods. The exceptions are fruits and vegetables that you
have peeled or shelled yourself.
 Boil unpasteurized milk before drinking it
 Avoid ice cream from unreliable sources
 Simple rule to remember: boil it, cook it, peel it or forget it.
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