( MENAFN - The Conversation) Cholera is a deadly disease caused by the bacterium Vibrio cholerae, associated with poor sanitation and limited access to clean water. But it has also been found in seemingly clean places, including affluent neighbourhoods, hotels and restaurants with poor hygiene practices such as handling food with dirty hands and using contaminated water to wash utensils and prepare food. Cholera outbreaks in Africa have affected 18 countries over the last two years.
In southern and eastern Africa, more than 6,000 people have died and nearly 350,000 cases have been reported since a series of outbreaks began in late 2021. Samuel Kariuki , a microbiologist and director of the Drugs for Neglected Diseases Initiative (Eastern Africa) and former director of the Kenya Medical Research Institute, explains how the disease spreads, the symptoms, how to protect yourself, and how it can be treated. Cholera can spread directly or indirectly in several ways.
Contaminated water: Drinking or using water contaminated with Vibrio cholerae bacteria is the most common way cholera spreads. Contamination can occur when sewage and drinking water supplies mix. Contaminated food: Consuming food, especially raw or undercooked food, that has been contaminated can lead to infection.
Food can become contaminated if it is handled by someone who has the bacteria or if it is prepared withcontaminated water. Poor sanitation: A lack of proper sanitation infrastructure creates a breeding groun.