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What is Cholera?

Cholera is a bacterial infection that spreads through contaminated water? Moreover, it causes severe diarrhoea and dehydration when you have been infected. If you leave Cholera untreated, you increase the fatality risk within hours of your symptoms progressing.

Cholera is a sudden illness that comes with dangerous complications. If you drink untreated water exposed to sewer damage, your chances of infection are higher.

What You Need to Know about the Cholera Outbreak

You’d be surprised to know that Cholera outbreaks are common in warm climates. Even though it affects millions worldwide, developing countries like South Africa are at a higher risk of the epidemic. The recent outbreak has gradually evolved since February 2023.

The first reported case and cholera death was in Benoni in February. According to the National Institute for Communicable Diseases, the City of Johannesburg and Ekurhuleni confirmed more than 10 reported Cholera cases by March 2023.

Recently, there have been widespread reports on the outbreak in Hammanskraal that has killed 15 people with over 50 hospitalised. Moreover, AfriForum and Save Ngwathe have reported that samples taken from the Vaal River are positive for Cholera

Causes and Symptoms of Cholera

Cholera is caused by a specific type of bacteria, V. cholerae. When infected with this bacterium, you’re likely to spread it through faecal matter. If you don’t wash your hands, drink clean water, or cook with infected water, you increase the risk of being sick and infecting others.

The main symptom of Cholera is diarrhoea. Symptoms can be mild or more severe in extreme cases. However, be on the lookout for the following common signs.

• Intense thirst or dehydration.
• Vomiting.
• Reduced amounts of urine.
• Muscle cramps.

Irritability and restlessness.

Water Safety and Public Health

Water plays a crucial role in food production. Governments should invest in better water management resources. Poor sanitation and contaminated water can lead to Cholera, Hepatitis A, Polio, and Typhoid, among other diseases.

When managed water services don’t maintain water treatment plants, it exposes the public to many preventable health risks. For instance, improper hygiene and sanitation make hospitals highly vulnerable to infection and diseases.

What are the Sources of Contaminated Water?

Experts suggest that drinking water can be contaminated at a water treatment plant or after it has already been treated. The fact is toxic chemicals, parasites, and harmful germs can infect water at any point as it travels towards the taps in your home. In most cases, the most common problem with water safety is faecal waste that affects the drinking water and carries life-threatening diseases such as Cholera.

Is Your Water Dangerous to Drink?

You’re not alone if you’re still determining if your water is safe enough to drink. Here are a few things to consider to avoid drinking contaminated water.

• Don’t drink foamy water. Your water should be clear.
• Avoid drinking water that smells like Chlorine.
• Don’t drink orange or brown water as it suggests rusted pipelines.
• Water with an oily film when you pour it.
• Avoid water that tastes metallic or smells like sulphur (or rotten eggs).

It’s crucial to ensure you avoid contaminated water. However, in some instances, such as the recent Cholera outbreak in Gauteng and the Free State, it’s challenging to know whether you’ve been exposed to unsafe drinking water. The health challenges everyone suffers after exposure to contaminated water vary from mild to fatal depending on other factors such as age, health status and length of exposure.

If you suspect you’re experiencing symptoms of a disease such as Cholera after drinking contaminated water, use the iER App to get emergency responders to your exact location. Medical emergency units remain on high alert to prioritise your health.