Cholera

Diagnosis

Even though severe cholera signs and symptoms may be easily visible in areas where it is common, the only way to positively confirm a diagnosis is to check for the bacteria in a stool sample. The collected sample is forwarded to a laboratory, where specialists will examine it under a microscope to pinpoint the presence of the V.cholerae bacterium.

Rapid cholera dipstick testing enable healthcare providers to quickly confirm a cholera diagnosis in remote areas. This quick confirmation enables fast public health interventions for managing epidemics and lowers fatality rates during the early phases of cholera outbreaks.

Treatment

Cholera has the potential to be life-threatening in a matter of hours, it requires immediate medical attention.

• Rehydration: Through the use of oral rehydration salts (ORS) (a mixture of sugar, salt, and water), a simple rehydration solution, the goal is to restore lost fluids and electrolytes. This powdered solution can be made using either boiled or bottled water.
  About half of cholera victims die from the disease if they are not given rehydration. However, the death rate substantially drops to less than 1% with appropriate care.
• Intravenous fluids: The majority of cholera patients can be recovered by oral rehydration alone, but those who are severely dehydrated may additionally require intravenous fluids.
• Antibiotics: Even though they are not required in cholera treatment, several antibiotics can lessen and shorten the length of cholera-related diarrhea, especially in those who are severely ill.
• Zinc supplements: According to research, giving children with cholera zinc supplements may shorten their diarrhea’s duration and quicken their recovery.