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Cholera in Developing Countries

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January 15, 2014

In developing countries, cholera is major concern due to poor sanitation, crowding, poverty, and contaminated drinking water. This disease is caused by bacterium Vibrio cholera. Presence of this bacteria initiates release of a toxin that leads to release of water from the cells of the small intestines, which produces severe diarrhea. Increased diarrhea and vomiting leads to the body being dehydrated. Common locations for cholera in developing countries are Africa, Asia, India, Mexico and South and Central America. Transmission occurs by eating food or drinking water that has been contaminated by waste products of infected persons (Barua & Greenough, 1992)

Cholera exhibits itself in high levels of diarrhea and vomiting of clear fluid. Persons may also have variety of symptoms, for instance abdominal cramps, dry mucus membranes, dry skin, excessive thirst caused by high level of dehydration. Further, symptoms of glassy or sunken eyes, low urine output, lethargy and nausea. If anyone exhibits all or one of these signs, it is advisable to consult a physician in order to run tests. These tests include blood culture, stool culture and gram stains. When treating cholera, the main aim is to replace electrolytes and fluid lost through severe diarrhea. Fluid may be given orally or through vein, known as intravenous. Antibiotics may shorten the periods of illness related to cholera. Antibiotics used to treat cholera include tetracycline or doxcyline. The World Health Organization (WHO) has successfully developed an oral rehydration solution that is cheaper and easier than the IV fluid. If severe diarrhea is not treated in the early stages, it can result in life threatening dehydration and electrolyte imbalances (Barua & Greenough, 1992).

Water supply is an essential in human population and ensuring better public health. This can however be limited by low coverage, poor continuity, insufficient quantity and poor quality. Results of epidemiological studying the relationship between the quality of water supply, sanitation, and water-borne diseases such as cholera vary. However, there is enough evidence to support the conclusion that improving water supply can have significant impact on human health. Adequate water supply and the quality of water are vital in cholera infection reduction. Water is essential in the disposal of excreted waste. If the water supply is inadequate due to shortages, the same water used for domestic purposes like drinking and cooking is at risk of cholera contamination. Sufficient water supply reduces cholera infections and contamination. This helps to ensure that water used for excretal disposal purposes will not be used as drinking water (Frumkin, 2002).

Many developing countries face the burden of Cholera. For instance, cholera is a major problem in Asian countries as well as Africa. In the year 2008, some 140,000 cases resulting in approximately 5000 deaths were reported to the World Health Organization (WHO, 2009). Most developing countries are running programs to control the spread of cholera. These programs are based in four intervention areas such as provision of adequate and safe drinking water, proper personal hygiene, proper food hygiene, and hygienic disposal of human excreta. Developing countries have also been licensed to provide Oral Cholera Vaccines. There are two types of safe and effective oral cholera vaccines. The vaccines are whole-cell killed vaccines, one with recombinant B-sub unit, and the other without. Both have sustained protection for over 50% lasting for two years in endemic settings (Cheng, McDonald & Thielman, 2005).

Cholera Public Service Announcement

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E7OxgW_UXxA

References

Barua, D., & Greenough, W. B. (Eds.). (1992). Cholera. Springer.

Cheng, A. C., McDonald, J. R., & Thielman, N. M. (2005). Infectious diarrhea in developed and developing countries. Journal of clinical gastroenterology, 39(9), 757-773.

Frumkin, H. (2002). Urban sprawl and public health. Public health reports, 117(3), 201.

World Health Organization. (2009). Cholera: global surveillance summary, 2008. Wkly Epidemiol Rec, 84(31), 309-324.