Cholera - Symptoms & causes

Vibrio cholerae is the bacterium that causes cholera, a dangerous infectious disease. It spreads primarily through contaminated water or food and is most common in areas with poor sanitation and inadequate access to clean drinking water. The disease causes sudden and severe watery diarrhea, which can lead to dehydration and even death if not treated promptly. Other symptoms may include vomiting, muscle cramps, and low blood pressure. Cholera spreads via the fecal-oral route, often through the consumption of food or water tainted with the feces of an infected person. The incubation period can range from a few hours to five days. Effective treatment includes rapid rehydration with oral or intravenous fluids, antibiotics in severe cases, and zinc supplements for children. Preventive measures such as improved sanitation, access to safe drinking water, good hygiene practices, and vaccination are crucial to controlling the spread of cholera.

Cholera Meaning in Urdu:

ہیضہ ایک شدید اور متعدی بیماری ہے جو بیکٹیریا کی وجہ سے ہوتی ہے۔ اس کی خاص علامت اچانک شروع ہونے والی پتلی اور پانی جیسی دست ہے، جو جسم میں پانی کی شدید کمی کا سبب بن سکتی ہے۔ اگر بروقت علاج نہ کیا جائے تو یہ بیماری جان لیوا بھی ثابت ہو سکتی ہے۔ ہیضہ عام طور پر آلودہ پانی یا خوراک کے ذریعے پھیلتا ہے، خاص طور پر اُن علاقوں میں جہاں صفائی ستھرائی کا نظام ناقص ہو۔ اس بیماری کے پھیلاؤ کو روکنے کے لیے صاف پانی، حفظانِ صحت کے اصولوں پر عمل اور فوری علاج انتہائی ضروری ہے۔

Cholera Symptoms:

Cholera symptoms usually begin suddenly and include watery diarrhea, often described as “rice water stools,” and vomiting, which can quickly lead to dehydration. These symptoms may appear within a few hours to five days after infection.

1. Watery diarrhea that appears suddenly and is frequently referred to as "rice water stools"
2. Vomiting – which can lead to rapid fluid loss
3. Severe dehydration – dry mouth, sunken eyes, low urine output
4. Muscle cramps – due to loss of electrolytes
5. Rapid heart rate
6. Low blood pressure
7. Thirst and restlessness
8. Shock – in severe cases, due to extreme fluid loss

After infection, cholera symptoms may show within a few hours to five days later. Treatment must start right away to avoid fatalities or major consequences. 

Cholera Causes:

Cholera is caused by the bacterium Vibrio cholerae. It spreads through contaminated water or food, especially in areas with poor sanitation and unsafe drinking water. The main cause is ingesting water or food that has been contaminated with the feces of an infected person. Raw or undercooked seafood, unwashed fruits and vegetables, and street food in unhygienic conditions can also be sources of infection.

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