According to very old reports, cholera was present since the first centuries of mankind, causing acute diarrhea similar to rice water, vomiting and, in more severe cases, cramps, severe weight loss and cloudy eyes. caused by bacterium Vibrio cholerae, is a disease with great ease of dissipation.
O incubation period is approximately five days. Overcoming stomach acidity, it multiplies in the small intestine very quickly and, due to its symptoms, can cause dehydration, loss of mineral salts and a marked decrease in blood pressure in a short period of time, with the possibility of causing the death of affected people.
É transmitted by ingestion of water, food, fish, seafood and freshwater animals contaminated by feces or vomit of an individual with the disease, without proper treatment. Hands that have had contact with the bacteria or even flies and cockroaches can cause infection by this pathogen. The latter can act as mechanical vectors, transporting the vibrio to water and food.
In most cases, it manifests itself asymptomatically and this is one of the main reasons that facilitate its propagation, as this carrier is capable of transmitting the disease without even knowing about it. fact. Only 10% of affected people develop the symptoms. Patients release vibrios in their stool for about twenty days.
This disease caused seven pandemics (simultaneous epidemic in many countries or continents), with two of its serotypes, the V. cholerae O1 and the V. cholerae O139, those responsible. These are the only types of this bacteria that release toxins: the enterotoxins.
Cholera mainly affects places where basic sanitation is precarious. The bacteria survives for up to five days at room temperature and is resistant to freezing. In the marine environment, it lives well at temperatures between 10 and 30°C. However, it does not withstand temperatures above 80°C or exposure to chlorine.
So, the boiling or chlorinating water and food before ingestion and avoiding the use of ice in beverages, except when it has been made with treated water, are some of the main measures to prevent the onset of the disease.
The World Health Organization recommends the proportion of six ml of chlorine for each liter of water, added at least half an hour before using it as a drink or for preparing food. Also recommends to disinfection of fruits and vegetables, immersing them, for half an hour, in two mL for each liter of water, then being washed with treated water.
Vaccines have restrictions on their use, being required only as a complementary measure, in cases of high risk of infection, in people whose acidic stomach secretions are reduced.
Strict garbage collection in order to prevent the proliferation of vectors; bury faeces far from water sources, when there is no adequate basic sanitation in the region; reheating already cooked food; wash your hands constantly; and avoid foods from the aquatic environment of the region where there was an outbreak of cholera, are necessary measures.
O diagnosis it consists of isolating and identifying the vibrio in the patient's feces. For treatment, rehydration is essential and is, in most cases, the only method needed. However, a visit to the doctor is essential, as only he will be able to analyze the case and, if it's necessary, to prescribe antibiotics. Antidiarrheal medications are not indicated, as they facilitate the multiplication of the bacteria by decreasing intestinal peristalsis.
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THE MINISTRY OF HEALTH WARNS:
Self-medication can have unwanted and unanticipated effects, as the wrong medicine not only does not cure, it can worsen your health.
By Mariana Araguaia
Graduated in Biology
Brazil School Team
Diseases Caused by Bacteria - Illnesses - Brazil School