Five health tips to take against cholera

Cholera is an acute diarrhoeal infection caused by the ingestion of food or water contaminated with the bacterium Vibrio cholerae.Cholera is a very contagious disease that can cause severe acute watery diarrhoea. It takes between 12 hours and five days for a person to show symptoms after ingesting contaminated food or water.

Below are the five health tips to take against cholera

1. Drink and use safe water: Drink clean bottled or boiled water. Make sure the water is also safely stored to avoid contamination. Use clean water to cook, brush, and wash your dishes and fruits and vegetables.

1. Use the toilet appropriately: Use toilets or manage the sanitation facilities safely even when you want to get rid of feces. Ensure that you poop at least 30 metres (98 feet) away from any body of water, including wells, and then bury your poop.

1. Wash your hands with soap and water frequently: This is important, especially after using the toilet. Rub soapy, wet hands together for at least 15 seconds before rinsing. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer. You can never overdo this.

1. Eat cooked food: Eat thoroughly cooked foods: Don’t eat raw or undercooked meat or shellfish. If you can, avoid street vendor food, and if you must buy a meal from a street vendor, make sure it is cooked in your presence and served hot.

1. Disinfect surfaces, floors, furniture, and toilets. Clean food preparation areas and kitchenware with soap and treated water and let dry completely before reuse. Bathe and wash clothes or diapers 30 metres (100 feet) away from drinking water sources.

Source: punch