Cholera resurgence? Several countries record case surge, deaths since October

Cholera resurgence? Several countries record case surge, deaths since October

Subject : Science and Technology

Context-

• Several countries across the world have reported a surge in cholera cases this year, raising concerns about a global resurgence of the disease. These include Kenya, Malawi, Haiti, Lebanon and the Philippines. 

More in details-

• This is amid a shortage of cholera vaccines.
• Experts believe that global warming may have heightened the chances of the disease spreading and strained healthcare facilities due to COVID-19 also may have reduced access to treatment and prevention.

Cholera-

• It is a life-threatening infectious disease and a public health hazard.
• Cholera is an acute, diarrheal illness caused by infection of the intestine with the bacterium Vibrio cholerae.
• The infection is often mild or without symptoms, but sometimes can be severe.

Symptoms:

• Profuse watery diarrhoea
• Vomiting
• Leg cramps

Transmission:

• A person may get cholera by drinking water or eating food contaminated with the cholera bacterium.
• The disease can spread rapidly in areas with inadequate treatment of sewage and drinking water.

Vaccine:

• Currently there are three WHO pre-qualified oral cholera vaccines (OCV), Dukoral, Shanchol, and Euvichol-Plus.
• All three vaccines require two doses for full protection.