Cholera primary prevention

Cholera hospital in Dhaka.

Cholera Microchapters
Home
Patient Information
Overview
Historical Perspective
Classification
Pathophysiology
Causes
Differentiating Cholera from other Diseases
Epidemiology and Demographics
Risk Factors
Screening
Natural History, Complications, and Prognosis
Diagnosis
History and Symptoms
Physical Examination
Laboratory Findings
X Ray
CT
MRI
Other diagnostic studies
Treatment
Medical Therapy
Surgery
Primary Prevention
Secondary Prevention
Case Studies
Case #1
Cholera primary prevention On the Web
Most recent articles
Most cited articles
Review articles
CME Programs
Powerpoint slides
Images
American Roentgen Ray Society Images of Cholera primary prevention All Images X-rays Echo & Ultrasound CT Images MRI
Ongoing Trials at Clinical Trials.gov
US National Guidelines Clearinghouse
NICE Guidance
FDA on Cholera primary prevention
CDC on Cholera primary prevention
Cholera primary prevention in the news
Blogs on Cholera primary prevention
Directions to Hospitals Treating Cholera
Risk calculators and risk factors for Cholera primary prevention

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editors-In-Chief: Priyamvada Singh, MBBS [2]

Overview

Although cholera can be life-threatening, it is nearly always easily prevented, in principle, if proper sanitation practices are followed. In the United States and Western Europe, because of advanced water treatment and sanitation systems, cholera is no longer a major threat. The last major outbreak of cholera in the United States was in 1911. However, everyone, especially travelers, should be aware of how the disease is transmitted and what can be done to prevent it. Good sanitation practices, if instituted in time, are usually sufficient to stop an epidemic.

Primary prevention

Steps in case of suspected cholera outbreak

• Inform and ask for help (supervisor, other centers)
• Treat patients promptly specially patients presenting as some or severe cholera symptoms (as they may deteriorate rapidly)
• Protect the community (prevent spread to others)

Checklist for medical professional in case of suspected outbreak

In case of suspected cholera in community medical professionals and hospitals should check the supplies to treat the patients.

• IV fluids (Ringer Lactate is the best, in case of nonavailability of ringer lactate cholera saline or normal saline)
• Oral Rehydration Salt (ORS)
• Antibiotics (doxycycline, erythromycin, tetracycline)
• Drips
• Nasogastric tubes
• Soap
• Chlorine or bleaching powder
• Rectal swabs and transport medium (Cary Blair or TCBS) for stool samples
• Safe water is needed to rehydrate patients and to wash clothes and instruments

Steps to protect the community

There are several points along the transmission path at which the spread may be halted:

• Sickbed: Isolate the severe cases. Proper disposal and treatment of the germ infected fecal waste (and all clothing and bedding that come in contact with it) produced by cholera victims is of primary importance as stool and vomit are highly contagious
• Sewage: Treatment of general sewage before it enters the waterways or underground water supplies prevent possible undetected patients from spreading the disease.
• Sources: Warnings about cholera contamination posted around contaminated water sources through simple messages with directions on how to decontaminate the water.
• Sterilization: Boiling, filtering, and chlorination of water kill the bacteria produced by cholera patients and prevent infections, when they do occur, from spreading. All materials (clothing, bedding, etc.) that come in contact with cholera patients should be sterilized in hot water using (if possible) chlorine bleach. Hands, etc. that touch cholera patients or their clothing etc. should be thoroughly cleaned and sterilized. All water used for drinking, washing or cooking should be sterilized by boiling or chlorination in any area where cholera may be present. Water filtration, chlorination and boiling are by far the most effective means of halting transmission. Cloth filters, though very basic, have greatly reduced the occurrence of cholera when used in poor villages in Bangladesh that rely on untreated surface water. In general, public health education and good sanitation practices are the limiting factors in preventing transmission. Wash your hands with soap after using toilets and latrines, before preparing food, before eating
• Only eat freshly cooked food
• Do not defecate near the water sources
• Use latrines and keep them clean

Precautions for funerals

• Disinfect corpses with chlorine solution (2%)
• Fill mouth and anus with cotton wool soaked with chlorine solution
• Wash hands with soap after touching the corpse
• Disinfect the clothing and bedding of the deceased by stirring them in boiling water or by drying them thoroughly in the sun

External links

Template:WikiDoc Sources