Thiruvananthapuram: One more person has been diagnosed with cholera in the district. The disease was confirmed by the husband of a nurse who attended to a patient who had been diagnosed with cholera.
How is the disease transmitted?
Cholera is a waterborne disease. The disease is caused by the bacterium Vibrio cholerae. This disease enters the body through food and water obtained from unsanitary environments. The bacteria that enters the body produces a toxin called 'cholera toxin'. It is this toxin that causes diarrhea.
These bacteria, which come out through human bowel movements, mix with drinking water and spread disease through it. Flies also play an important role in spreading this disease. Once the bacteria enters the body, it takes 12 hours to 5 days for symptoms to appear. Death can occur within hours if not treated properly.
Main symptoms
Vomiting and diarrhea are the main symptoms of cholera. Symptoms such as weakness in the legs, narrowing of the small intestine, excessive loss of water from the body, weakness, anemia, etc. may also be seen. Dehydration due to vomiting and diarrhea can lead to fatigue and fainting.
