09/05/2024
LIVINGSTONE MULTICULTURAL CHOLERA ELIMINATION STRATEGY
Cholera is an acute, diarrheal illness caused by infection of the intestine with the toxigenic bacterium Vibrio cholerae serogroup O1 or O139.
The cholera bacterium is usually found in water or in foods that have been contaminated by f***s (p**p) from a person infected with cholera bacteria. Cholera is most likely to occur and spread in places with inadequate water treatment, poor sanitation, and inadequate hygiene.
Recently Zambia was hit by a cholera outbreak that claimed many lives. The outbreak saw some restrictions in various sectors of society.
The tourist capital Livingstone was not spared by the cholera outbreak and this caused panic among various stakeholders in curbing the diarrhea disease.
For the perspective of cholera introduction in the next rain season , three aspects such an assessment of transit and tourist communities, promoting prevention within these communities, and considering travelers as potential bridges between countries are crucial .
According to some health experts, implementation and assessment program on the knowledge and practice of cholera prevention in both transit and tourist communities in areas at high risk for the introduction of the disease is key. However, recommended strategies to promote prevention of cholera outbreaks are as follows.
• Wash your hands often and take steps to ensure your food and water are safe for use. Following these simple steps greatly reduces your risk of getting cholera in areas where cholera is spreading
• Use bottled water to brush your teeth, wash and prepare food, and make ice or beverages.
• If bottled water is not available, use water that has been properly boiled, chlorinated, or filtered using a filter that can remove bacteria.
• Use bottled water with unbroken seals.
Observing all the health guidelines is one of the sure ways to prevent cholera out breaks in the communities.
