The cholera epidemic is gradually becoming a cause for concern in the Centre Region. Official statistics from the Ministry of Public Health show that in less than two and a half months, 125 cholera cases have been recorded in the Centre Region with 17 deaths. The Minister of Public Health, André Mama Fouda during a meeting yesterday, March 21, with the operational committee to fight cholera in the region, noted that although the epidemic is not at an alarming rate, there is need to put it under control. He stressed that everybody should play his/her role against the disease whose symptoms are not well-known to many.
Many people have fever, accompanied by watery stool and vomiting. But not everybody knows cholera symptoms. While medical personnel say fever is not a major symptom of cholera, it is noted that serious cholera symptoms and complications can occur rapidly within 24 to 48 hours (one to two days) when somebody is infected with the cholera-causing bacteria. Generally, medical practitioners say an infection with Vibrio cholerae is often mild or without symptoms, but sometimes, symptoms are severe. Specific cholera symptoms become visible when a patient experiences sudden onset and large amounts of watery diarrhoea which is usually painless. Usually, the stool which is accompanied with vomiting has a characteristic “rice-water” appearance, grey in colour, smells and is slightly cloudy with flecks of mucus. A cholera patient will also experience muscle cramps. Specialists explain that as fluid is lost, other symptoms can occur, including thirst, general body weakness, increased heart beat, reduced urine production, coma and finally death. It is noted that cholera treatment can reduce the chances of serious complications. But the best cure against cholera is prevention.
This is why the Minister of Public Health has urged the public to adopt preventive measures by not eating food or drinking water that is contaminated with the bacteria that causes cholera (Vibrio cholerae). André Mama Fouda said the ministry will reactivate sensitisation campaigns to help people prevent cholera. According to him, all patients suspected of cholera will not be accepted to use public transportation vehicles. He also added that those who die as a result of cholera should not be kept in a mortuary and that local authorities will assist health personnel in using special measures in burying such corpses. André Mama Fouda also insists that nobody should build latrines near wells, drink only water that has been boiled, or that is treated with chlorine or iodine. Inhabitants are also advised to eat only food that they have thoroughly cooked and are still hot, or fruits that they have peeled themselves. While warning people against food and beverages from street vendors, André Mama Fouda underlined that the simple rule is: "Boil it, cook it, peel it, or forget it."
