The Organization Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) warns that the cholera outbreak affecting Haiti could reach the Dominican Republic, so we should take hygiene measures and prevention. According to data collected by PAHO, the cholera outbreak in Haiti's Artibonite region has affected over 3,000 people and has killed more than 250.
Cholera is an acute intestinal infection caused by ingestion of food or water contaminated with the bacterium Vibrio cholerae. It has a short incubation period, from less than one to five days. The bacteria produces an enterotoxin that causes copious diarrhea, painless, watery that can quickly lead to severe dehydration and circulatory collapse causing death if not treated promptly. Most patients also suffer vomiting. Symptoms
When cholera begins to manifest, the person affected has mainly:
·
Diarrhea Vomiting ·
· High temperature
· Loss of appetite
· Decay
Most infected people do not necessarily have symptoms, but the bacterium is present in their faeces for 7-14 days. When the disease occurs about 80% - 90% of the episodes are mild or moderate and are difficult to distinguish clinically from other forms of acute diarrhea. Less than 20% of patients develop the typical picture of cholera with signs of moderate or severe dehydration. Treatment
Cholera is a disease can be easily treated. The prompt administration of oral rehydration salts to replace lost fluids, in addition to the administration of antibiotics to stop the shedding of the bacterium Vibrio cholerae, achieves almost always the cure. In particularly serious cases may require intravenous fluids infused to save the life of the patient. However, if left untreated, cholera can kill the patient quickly once the symptoms manifest themselves.
The Public Health Ministry reported that it has been prepared Defilló Doctor Laboratory, National District, to make testing for the disease, as a preventive measure against any possible case of displacement of the cholera outbreak that affects neighboring Haiti. Prevention
Among the measures recommended by health authorities include:
· Wash hands often with soap or antibacterial gel
· Wash and disinfect fruits and vegetables
· Cook food thoroughly
· Handle and adequately protect food
Avoids eating food and drinks on the street or which do not know its origin
always clean and disinfect the home
· Wash household utensils properly and to the extent possible
· Clorificar not share water used for drinking, sanitation as well as floors, walls and cleaning utensils, sinks, toilets, bathtubs and toilets, as chlorine kills any germs and microbes
We have the collaboration of all these preventive measures taken. Any employee who has symptoms of cholera, must notify the Directorate of Security.
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