Everything about Cholera: Symptoms, Causes, Treatment and Insurance

Cholera is a bacterial disease dispersed through contaminated water that can cause diarrhoea and dehydration. If not treated, it can become fatal within hours. While modern sanitation has nearly eradicated cholera, there has been a spike in cities like Bengaluru and Kolkata. Epidemics are common in areas with poor sanitation due to poverty, war, or natural disasters. 

Cholera Symptoms

Most people exposed to the cholera bacterium don’t become ill and are unaware they have been infected. However, they can still infect others through contaminated water for seven to 14 days.

Cholera symptoms include –

• Diarrhoea: Cholera-related diarrhoea occurs suddenly and can cause dangerous fluid loss, up to a quart (about 1 litre) per hour. Diarrhoea often has a pale, milky appearance resembling rice water.
• Nausea and Vomiting: Vomiting can occur in the early stages of cholera and last for hours.
• Dehydration: Dehydration can develop within hours of the onset of cholera symptoms, ranging from mild to severe. Severe dehydration involves a loss of 10% or more of body weight.
• Electrolyte Imbalance: Rapid loss of minerals in the blood due to dehydration can cause muscle cramps and shock.

Causes Of Cholera

Cholera is caused by the bacterium Vibrio cholerae. This bacteria produces a toxin in the small intestine, leading to massive fluid and electrolyte loss through diarrhoea. Even if individuals do not show cholera symptoms, they can still spread the bacteria through their stool, contaminating food and water supplies.

Sources of contamination include –

• Contaminated water supplies (surface or well water).
• Eating raw/undercooked seafood, particularly shellfish.
• Raw fruits and vegetables.
• Food that has become contaminated from being kept at room temperature for several hours.

Cholera Risk Factors

Several factors heighten the risk of contracting cholera. Some of them are –

• Poor Sanitary Conditions: Common in refugee camps, impoverished areas, and regions affected by famine, war, or natural disasters. Thus, looking into strong health insurance for cholera and other such disease prevention is essential.
• Reduced Stomach Acid: Individuals with low stomach acid levels, including children, older adults, and those on antacids, H-2 blockers, or proton pump inhibitors.
• Household Exposure: Living with someone who has cholera.
• Type O Blood: People with type O blood are twice as likely to develop cholera.
• Consumption of Raw or Undercooked Shellfish: Consuming raw or undercooked shellfish poses a risk, even in industrialised nations.

Cholera Complications

Cholera can quickly become fatal, with severe cases leading to death within hours due to rapid fluid and electrolyte loss. Cholera complications include –

• Low Blood Sugar (Hypoglycaemia): This is especially dangerous in children, leading to seizures, unconsciousness, and death.
• Low Potassium Levels: It can interfere with heart and nerve function, causing life-threatening conditions.
• Kidney Failure: A potentially fatal condition due to the buildup of fluids, electrolytes, and wastes in the body.

However, oral cholera vaccines and effective treatments are available to help manage and mitigate the impact of this disease.

Cholera Treatment 

Immediate rehydration is crucial in treating cholera. Cholera treatment includes –

• Oral Rehydration Solutions (ORS): Consuming significant quantities of prepackaged mixtures containing sugars, salts, and water.
• Intravenous Fluids: Essential for treating severe dehydration cases.
• Antibiotics: To reduce the duration and severity of the illness.
• Zinc Supplements: Particularly beneficial for children.

Prevention Of Cholera

Simple preventive measures can reduce the risk of cholera infection –

• Safe Drinking Water: Drink only bottled, canned, boiled, or chemically treated water. Avoid tap water, ice cubes, and water fountains in areas with cholera.
• Proper Food Handling and Preparation: Consume fully cooked, hot food. Avoid raw seafood and unpeeled fruits.
• Hand Hygiene: Wash hands frequently with soap and water or use alcohol-based hand sanitisers.

Cholera Vaccination

Oral cholera vaccines (OCVs) available in India include –

• Dukoral
• Shanchol
• Euvichol

Health Insurance for Cholera

Cholera treatment in India can cost ₹50-₹20,000/day, depending on severity and facility. Insurance generally covers hospitalization, daycare, and ambulance charges. Key features include cashless treatment and pre/post-hospitalization coverage. High-risk residents, travellers to endemic areas, healthcare workers, children, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems should have health insurance for cholera.

Key Takeaways

Understanding cholera’s symptoms, causes, treatment, and prevention is crucial for effectively minimising risk and managing the disease. Appropriate health insurance for cholera can help individuals access necessary care and financial protection, especially in areas prone to outbreaks. Proactive measures, including vaccination, proper sanitation, and good hygiene, can significantly reduce the incidence and impact of cholera.

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