Why does Africa have cholera?
Cholera remains a major scourge for the Sub-Saharan African population as it is contracted by the consumption of contaminated water and food. Moreover, urban areas with inadequate sanitation and limited access to safe water are likely to acquire this waterborne disease as well as spread it.
Is cholera still a problem in Africa?
More than 40 years after its resurgence in Africa in 1970, cholera remains a grave public health problem, characterized by large disease burden, frequent outbreaks, persistent endemicity, and high CFRs, particularly in the region of the central African Great Lakes which might act as reservoirs for cholera.
Where is cholera the worst?
On 14 August, WHO stated that about 500,000 people in Yemen were affected by cholera. WHO called it “the worst cholera outbreak in the world”.
Why is cholera called the Blue death?
Cholera has been nicknamed the “blue death” because a person’s skin may turn bluish-gray from extreme loss of fluids [4].
Is there a vaccine for cholera?
The FDA recently approved a single-dose live oral cholera vaccine called Vaxchora® (lyophilized CVD 103-HgR) in the United States. The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) voted to approve the vaccine for adults 18 – 64 years old who are traveling to an area of active cholera transmission.
How did they treat cholera in the 1800’s?
Treatment of the first stage (Premonitory) of cholera consisted of confining the victim to bed and the taking of some warmed mild aromatic drink such as spearmint, chamomile, or warm camphor julep. Once the individual had commenced to perspire, calomel, camphor, magnesia, and pure castor oil was administered.
What bacteria causes cholera?
Cholera is an acute diarrheal illness caused by infection of the intestine with Vibrio cholerae bacteria. People can get sick when they swallow food or water contaminated with cholera bacteria.