DOH on aIert against choIera

Posted by Michille on February 9

th
, 2007

loilo City (9 February) The Department of Health (DOH) is on alert for the
possible occurrence of cholera outbreak as the year 2007 is the next epidemiological
cycle of the disease.
n this connection, a surveillance of water systems in the country is being
undertaken to prevent the contamination of potable water with cholera, said DOH's
Safe Water System Program Manager Dr. Madeline Retuta.
The surveillance is initially being done in Region 1 particularly in Pangasinan,
La Union and parts of locos Sur and locos Norte.
Cholera is an acute bacterial enteric disease caused by ingestion of food or
water contaminated with the bacteria Vibrio cholerae with a short incubation period
from a few hours to 5 days.
n most cases, according to DOH the infection is asymptomatic or causes mild
diarrhea, especially with organisms of the El Tor biotype while severe cases are
characterized by sudden onset of frequent painless watery stools, nausea and
profuse vomiting early in the course of illness.
n extreme cases, cholera is a rapidly fatal disease that a healthy individual
may die within 2-3 hours if no treatment is provided, said the DOH advisory.
mmediate treatment of the disease include replacing lost body fluid by giving
Oral Rehydration Solution (ORESOL) or a homemade solution composed of 1
teaspoon of salt, 8 teaspoons of sugar mix to 1 liters of water.
However, if diarrhea persists, the DOH advised patients to consult their health
workers or to go to the nearest hospital.
The disease can be prevented or controlled by drinking only safe and clean
water. f unsure, boil drinking water and upon reaching boiling point, extend for two
or more minutes. Water chlorination is also recommended.
Cholera can be further prevented by observing the following: keeping food
away from insects and rats by covering it; washing and cooking food properly;
sanitary disposal of human waste; using the toilet properly and cleaning it every day;
washing hands with soap after using toilet and before eating; and keeping the
surroundings clean to prevent flies and other insects and rodents from breeding.
(PA)

Source: http://manilajournal.com/page/2041/