How to differentiate infectious cholera from food poisoning?

Question

Hello doctor,

I have heard about infectious cholera. What kind of food can cause cholera and how to protect myself and my family from this deadly disease? What is the difference between food poisoning and cholera? Is there any vaccine to protect us from cholera? What should be done immediately after being diagnosed with cholera? What lab test is to be done to find out about cholera? Kindly suggest.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

A person may get cholera by drinking water or eating food contaminated with the cholera bacterium. In an epidemic, the source of the contamination is usually the feces of an infected person. The disease can spread rapidly in areas with inadequate treatment of sewage and drinking water. Symptoms of cholera are: profuse watery diarrhea, sometimes described as “rice-water stools”, vomiting, thirst, leg cramps, restlessness, or irritability. Prevention of cholera is dependent on access to safe water, adequate sanitation, and basic hygiene needs. Currently, there are three WHO (World Health Organization) pre-qualified oral cholera vaccines (OCV): Dukoral, Shanchol, and Euvichol. All three vaccines require two doses for full protection. Dukoral is administered with a buffer solution that, for adults, requires 150 ml of clean water. I hope this information helps you.

Thank you.