Cholera

Facts for Prelims

Cholera

News: According to the World Health Organization, the African continent is likely to see its worst cholera crisis this decade, driven by extreme weather events and poor water supply and sanitation infrastructure.

About:
 It is a life-threatening infectious disease and a public health hazard.
 It is an acute, diarrheal illness caused by infection of the intestine with the bacterium Vibrio cholera.
 Symptoms - Profuse watery diarrhea, Vomiting, Leg cramps.
 It is transmitted to humans through water or food which is contaminated with the cholera bacterium.
 The disease can spread rapidly in areas with inadequate treatment of sewage and drinking water.
 Currently, there are three WHO pre-qualified oral cholera vaccines (OCV), Dukoral, Shanchol, and Euvichol-Plus. All three vaccines require two doses for full protection.