6 ways to protect you from cholera

Cholera has remained a chronic illness despite all the major advances in research. This epidemic illness is still a challenge to the modern medical world.

Recently, it was reported that an outbreak of the disease occurred in Lagos and Ebonyi which killed some people. Although the disease may be asymptomatic or mild, but a severe cholera can cause death from dehydration (the loss of water and salts from the body) within hours if not treated.

Here are 6 basic steps that can keep you from being a victim of cholera:

1. Drink and use safe water

Consumption of safe and clean should encouraged. Bottled water with an unbroken seal should not be an option for consumption. Water could also be boiled or treated with a chlorine product to keep it safe for drinking.

Also use safe water to brush your teeth, wash and prepare food.

2. Wash your hands often with soap and safe water

Always make it a habit to wash your hands frequently. Washing of hands often with soap and clean water could reduce the ingestion of bacteria from the hand to the mouth.

In a situation where there is no soap available, scrub hands often with ash or sand and rinse with clean water.

3. Proper disposal of feces (poop), do not defecate in any body of water

Solid excretory product evacuated from the bowels  should not be done in sensitive areas, particularly water body areas. Defecating or having a sewage close to water could lead to the contamination. Therefore this can make the environment prone to cholera.

4. Proper preparatory of food, vegetables and fruits
Cooking of food properly, especially sea-foods. Ensure your food is properly covered to avoid contamination, while fruits and vegetables should be thoroughly washed before eating. However, avoid raw foods other than fruits and vegetables you have peeled yourself.

5. Clean up safely in the kitchen and in places where your family bathes and washes clothes.

Clean food preparation areas and kitchenware with soap and safe water and let dry completely before reuse.

6. Wash yourself, your children, diapers, and clothes, 30 meters (98 feet) away from drinking water sources.

Naija.com