Cholera is an acute disease, occurring according to the type of intestinal infections. Causes, symptoms of cholera, as well as methods of treatment and measures for the prevention of disease are given in the presented material.
Causes of Cholera
Infection of a person with cholera occurs when drinking water or food contaminated with cholera vibrios. Gastric juice kills part of the bacilli, but another part of it can start to multiply in the gastrointestinal tract. In the contamination of products with cholera vibrios, flies that carry them from the discharge of the patient are of great importance. Cholera also spreads through dirty hands in contact with vibrio carriers or sick people.
Symptoms of cholera
The typical (algal) form of cholera begins after an incubation period of 2-3 days. The following symptoms are considered typical symptoms:
- frequent and abundant stools (several dozen times a day) of rice decoction or meat slops;
- nausea, vomiting;
- decrease in body temperature to 34-35 degrees;
- general intoxication of the body, manifested in the form of convulsions, turbidity of consciousness, weakening of cardiac activity.
Due to severe dehydration, the patient's appearance changes:
- the skin acquires a cyanotic shade, becomes sticky, loses its elasticity;
- facial features sharpen;
- the eyes look hollow.
Duration of the disease is from 2 to 15 days.
Attention! Especially dangerous is the lightning-fast (dry) form of cholera. It flows without vomiting and diarrhea, characterized by a heavy unconscious condition. Death can occur within a few hours.
Treatment and prevention of cholera
The treatment of cholera is complex and includes:
- intravenous and subcutaneous infusion of warm physiological saline;
- intravenous injection of 5% glucose solution;
- conducting antibiotic therapy.
The first two types of procedures are aimed at preventing dehydration of the body.
In addition, the patient can be:
- transfusion of blood or plasma diluted with saline solution;
- the introduction of ephedrine, camphor and other drugs intended for the restoration of the cardiovascular system;
- Warming the body with warmers and warm baths.
A patient with cholera needs careful care with hygiene and hygiene. In between the attacks of vomiting, small portions are given to drink. When the vomiting is stopped, the patient is provided with light meals. The menu includes:
- liquid porridge;
- mucous soups;
- kissels;
- vegetables in the form of mashed potatoes.
Prevention of cholera is carried out at the state level and includes the following activities:
- Sanitary control at the border.
- Monitoring of water supply.
- Control over the organization of public catering.
- Ensure the timely export and disposal of waste, especially food.
- Hospitalization of patients, establishment of quarantine.
- Vaccination of the population in case of detection of cases of the disease.
To prevent morbidity, it is important to strictly observe the rules of personal hygiene and ensure the performance of sanitary conditions.