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Other symptoms, causes of cholera (part 2)


Bangladeshpost
Published : 04 Jul 2022 08:54 PM

Electrolyte imbalance

• Muscle cramps: These result from the rapid loss of salts such as sodium, chloride and potassium.

• Shock: This is one of the most serious complications of dehydration. It occurs when low blood volume causes a drop in blood pressure and a drop in the amount of oxygen in your body. If untreated, severe hypovolemic shock can cause death in minutes.

Causes:

A bacterium called Vibrio cholerae causes cholera infection. The deadly effects of the disease are the result of a toxin the bacteria produce in the small intestine. The toxin causes the body to secrete enormous amounts of water, leading to diarrhea and a rapid loss of fluids and salts (electrolytes).

• Surface or well water: Contaminated public wells are frequent sources of large-scale cholera outbreaks. People living in crowded conditions without adequate sanitation are especially at risk.

• Seafood. Eating raw or undercooked seafood, especially shellfish, that comes from certain places can expose you to cholera bacteria. Most recent cases of cholera in the United States have been traced to seafood from the Gulf of Mexico.

• Raw fruits and vegetables: Raw, unpeeled fruits and vegetables are a frequent source of cholera infection in areas where there's cholera. 

• Grains: In regions where cholera is widespread, grains such as rice and millet that are contaminated after cooking and kept at room temperature for several hours can grow cholera bacteria.

    Courtesy: Mayo Clinic