EMS-Water and its management, page no 104

What is cholera?

Cholera is a bacterial disease usually spread through contaminated water. Cholera causes severe diarrhoea and dehydration. Left untreated, cholera can be fatal within hours, even in previously healthy people.

• Time before onset of symptoms after infection: A few hours up to 5 days.

• Symptoms: Diarrhoea and vomiting.

• Consequence: Can be mild but can lead to dehydration and death.

• Treatment: Rehydration or the vaccine.

What is typhoid?

Typhoid fever is a life-threatening infection caused by the bacterium Salmonella Typhi. It is usually spread through contaminated food or water. Once Salmonella Typhi bacteria are ingested, they multiply and spread into the bloodstream.

• Time before onset of symptoms after infection: 6-6 days.

• Symptoms: Fever, abdominal pain with a skin rash.

• Consequence: 3-3% of infected people remain as carries with no symptoms if untreated, fatal complications can arise.

• Treatment: Antibiotics or vaccine.

THE END