Cholera is a serious disease and the Health Services of the City of Tshwane would like to make you aware of its symptoms and how to prevent getting and spreading it.

Cholera is an acute infectious disease caused by the bacteria Vibrio Cholerae, which affects the intestinal system of the body.

How it is spread

• Contaminated water is the main source of infection.
• Food, for instance vegetables, is contaminated when fertilized with human excreta or "freshened" with contaminated water.
• Soiled hands can contaminate drinking water and food.
• Fish, particularly shellfish, taken from contaminated water and eaten raw or cooked insufficiently can cause infection.

Common symptoms

• Onset of diarrhea is sudden.
• Diarrhea is profuse, painless and watery, with flecks of mucus in the stool ("rice-water" stools).
• Severe vomiting may occur, usually in the early stages of the illness.
• Fever occurs more often in children than in adults.
• Dehydration occurs rapidly.
• Severe vomiting leads to muscle cramps and serious problems with the blood, blood vessels and circulation, kidneys and heart, and death may occur if early treatment is not given.

Incubation period

The incubation period ranges from a few hours to five days (usually two to three days).

Population at risk

Those who do not have access to safe water and adequate and proper sanitation

Prevention

• Keep living conditions clean.
• Boil water for drinking and preparing food.
• Keep up personal hygiene.
• Always wash hands after going to the toilet and before handling food.

Treatment

• Drink safe fluid as soon as possible.
• Go to the nearest health facility as soon as possible.