Cholera is an acute diarrhoeal disease caused by the bacterium Vibrio cholerae. It spreads primarily through ingestion of contaminated water or food. The disease is characterised by sudden onset of profuse watery diarrhoea, vomiting, and rapid dehydration. Without timely rehydration therapy, severe cases can lead to death within hours.
However, cholera is preventable and treatable with prompt administration of Oral Rehydration Salts (ORS), intravenous fluids in severe cases, and appropriate antibiotics where necessary.
Causes and Transmission
Cholera transmission is strongly linked to:
- Contaminated drinking water
- Poor sanitation infrastructure
- Open defecation
- Inadequate waste disposal
- Consumption of improperly cooked seafood
- Raw vegetables washed in contaminated water
Asymptomatic individuals can also transmit the bacteria, making early detection and surveillance essential.
Symptoms and Clinical Stages
Symptoms usually appear within a few hours to five days after exposure.
Common symptoms include:
- Severe watery diarrhoea (“rice-water stools”)
- Vomiting
- Muscle cramps
- Rapid dehydration
- Weak pulse and low blood pressure
Clinical progression generally occurs in three stages:
- Evacuation Stage – Onset of diarrhoea and vomiting
- Collapse Stage – Severe dehydration, sunken eyes, lethargy, shock
- Recovery Stage – Gradual stabilisation with treatment
Public Health Response
Authorities implemented several containment measures:
- Deployment of central medical teams
- Strengthened surveillance and sample testing
- Ban on mass gatherings and community feasts
- Intensified water quality monitoring
- Awareness campaigns on hygiene practices
Coordination with national research institutions and international health agencies supported rapid epidemiological assessment.
Global Context
Cholera remains a significant public health concern globally, particularly in regions with inadequate sanitation. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), millions of cases occur annually worldwide. Outbreaks are frequently associated with humanitarian crises, floods, displacement, and fragile health systems.
Prevention and Control
Effective prevention strategies include:
- Universal access to safe drinking water
- Improved sanitation infrastructure
- Proper hand hygiene practices
- Safe food preparation
- Surveillance and early outbreak detection
- Use of Oral Cholera Vaccines (OCVs) in high-risk areas
Broader Significance
Cholera outbreaks highlight structural vulnerabilities in water and sanitation systems. They underscore the importance of:
- Strengthening primary healthcare systems
- Urban and rural sanitation reforms
- Community awareness and behavioural change
- Integrated disease surveillance
Cholera, though easily preventable, continues to expose gaps in public health preparedness and infrastructure, particularly in densely populated and resource-constrained regions.
