Cholera Outbreak | 17 Jun 2024
Why in News?
Recently, Panic spread through Phoop town in Bhind district due to a sudden cholera outbreak, resulting in the deaths of three individuals and the illness of around 70 others who drank contaminated water.
Key Points
- The residents of the area fell prey to cholera infection after drinking contaminated water supplied through the pipeline.
- According to the sources, the sewage water entered the drinking water supply pipeline due to ongoing civil work in the area. The water turned highly contaminated with bad odour.
- The District Magistrate stated that the situation was under control and the condition of the patients was stable.
- The pipeline leakages have been fixed, and clean/fresh water is now being supplied to the three wards.
- A team of doctors has also been deployed to monitor the situation, including water testing.
Cholera
- About:
- Cholera, a water-borne disease primarily caused by the bacteria Vibrio cholerae strains O1 and O139, poses a significant public health challenge worldwide.
- Strain O1 is the predominant cause of outbreaks, with O139 occurrences being rare and mostly confined to Asia.
- It is an acute diarrheal illness caused by infection of the intestine.
- The infection is often mild or without symptoms, but sometimes can be severe.
- Cholera, a water-borne disease primarily caused by the bacteria Vibrio cholerae strains O1 and O139, poses a significant public health challenge worldwide.
- Symptoms:
- Profuse watery diarrhoea, Vomiting, Leg cramps
- Transmission:
- A person may get cholera by drinking water or eating food contaminated with the cholera bacterium.
- The disease can spread rapidly in areas with inadequate treatment of sewage and drinking water.
- Vaccine:
- 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.