Each year, an estimated 21,000 to 143,000 people around the globe die from cholera. This acute diarrheal illness, caused by Vibrio cholerae (V. cholerae) infection, is more common in areas with unsafe food, water, or sewage/sanitation systems. Because people with cholera can quickly progress into severe dehydration, it is important to seek treatment right away. Waiting to pursue care can lead to cholera becoming fatal.
Unfortunately, a rash of fatalities is what South Africa is dealing with right now. According to reporting from Gloria Motsoere of EWN, there has been an outbreak of cholera throughout the country, with 197 confirmed cases. Of these, 43 people (21.8%) have died. Cases have been identified in the Free State Province, Limpopo, Mpumalanga, North-West, and Gauteng. Currently, most of the fatal cases—and most of the cases overall—are centered in Gauteng.
Cholera is transmitted through unsafe drinking water or contaminated food. As such, there are ways to avoid infection such as drinking bottled, boiled, or treated water; maintaining personal hygiene; safely disposing of bodily waste; eating sanitary, prepared meals; and frequent hand-washing or sanitizing. In South Africa, officials are asking everyone—especially if they are located in an area where cases are happening—to be careful and take actions to minimize their risk. These officials also note that, despite the current cases, the prevalence of cholera throughout the country has actually fallen overall.
Cholera Symptoms
Symptoms typically appear within 2-3 days following infection. In some individuals, symptoms may appear as early as a few hours after or as late as a few days. 90% of people who contract cholera will not have severe symptoms. Only 10% experience potentially life-threatening symptoms such as:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Profuse watery diarrhea
- Extreme thirst
- Irritability or restlessness
- Leg cramps
- Severe dehydration
- Low blood pressure
- Rapid heart rate
Antibiotics, as well as fluid replacement, are the typical course of treatment for this illness.
