As a Nigerian, eating out, at a buka or from street vendors has to rank amongst one of our favourite things to do, not to add the fact that most of us work and hardly have the time to fix up food at home. Hence, the cholera outbreak!
Unfortunately, because of how unhygienic our environment is, we are exposed to so many diseases one of which is Cholera, a disease currently ravaging several cities in the country.
Cholera is a virulent disease that is caused by ingestion of contaminated food and water. It is caused by a bacterium called Vibrio cholerae. It is an infectious disease that causes severe, watery diarrhea, which can lead to dehydration and even death if untreated.
There are few things that we do that can increase the risk of contracting the bacteria that causes Cholera:
Street food vendors may prepare foods and drinks in unhygienic conditions, making them unsafe to consume.
Fruits and Vegetables grown with water containing human wastes
Raw or undercooked fish and seafood caught in waters polluted with sewage amongst others.
Drinking unclean & polluted water.
Contracting the disease can lead to rapid dehydration which results in;
Rapid heart rate
Low blood pressure
Muscle cramps
And if not treated, can lead to shock and subsequent death.
However, there is hope—healthcare providers can treat and even prevent this disease. You can protect yourself and your family by:
Use only boiled water, chemically disinfected water, or bottled water for drinking and other ingestion purposes.
Avoid roadside food as much as possible eg roadside bukas, tigernut, kunu and the likes.
Prepare your own food and juices at home. That way you can vouch for the hygiene.
Make sure you wash your fruits and vegetables properly with clean, clear, running water.
What do you do when you suspect a case of Cholera?
Before you get medical assistance, make sure to stay hydrated. You can make an ‘at home ORS’ (Oral Rehydration Solution) by mixing 1 litre of water, half teaspoon of salt and 3 tablespoon of sugar. Take 100ml of it every 5 minutes for rehydration while seeking medical attention.
By following the laid down preventive measures and looking out for each other, we can beat the Cholera outbreak!
Stay safe!
Writer: Dr.George Uchendu (#TheTalkDoctor™)
Medical Doctor, Health Educator and Influencer
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