India sends assistance to cholera-hit Zambia

Subject: IR

Section: Places in news

In the news:

India sent medical and material assistance to Zambia as the southern African country dealt with a deadly cholera outbreak.
According to the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, the outbreak began in the Zambian capital region and had killed around 333 people.
According to the World Health Organization, the African continent is likely to see its worst cholera crisis this decade, driven by extreme weather events and poor water supply and sanitation infrastructure.

About Cholera disease:

It is a life-threatening infectious disease and a public health hazard.
It is an acute, diarrheal illness caused by infection of the intestine with the bacterium Vibrio cholera.
Symptoms: Profuse watery diarrhoea, Vomiting, Leg cramps etc
It is transmitted to humans through water or food which is contaminated with the cholera bacterium.
The disease can spread rapidly in areas with inadequate treatment of sewage and drinking water.
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.

Source: TH