How to prevent transmission

Health Education-Health education and public awareness regarding spread of disease, availability of treatment and precautions at domestic level and cooperation are important to control an outbreak.

To prevent cholera

1.Safe drinking water supply

· Disinfection of public water sources
· Chlorination of well water
· Tanker use for water supply
· Distribution of chlorine tablets for domestic use
· Use of boiled water if required.
· Avoid uncooked food unless it is peeled or shelled or washed and disinfected.
· Wash hands before preparing or eating food.
· Wash hands after using toilet or any contact with excreta.

2. Dispose off human excreta promptly and safely.

3. Inter Departmental coordination.

Three simple rules for Cholera prevention

a. Eat freshly prepared food.
b. Drink safe water(chlorinated or boiled)
c. Wash your hands with soap after defecation and before meals.
  More than 90% of sporadic cases are mild and 9% cases require Oral rehydration therapy. And 1% cases require hospitalization & IV therapy.

Vaccination :-

Parental vaccine consist of 2 equal doses, injected subcutaneously at an interval of 4 to 6 weeks. The protective value of currently available vaccines is about 50 percent for a period of 3-6 months.

Oral Vaccine :-

Vaccine consisting of killed whole-cell V. cholerae 01 in combination with a recombinant B-sub unit of cholera toxin. It is given orally in two dose schedule, 10-14 days apart. The vaccine confers 50-60 percent protection for atleast 3 years.

Though vaccine is available it is not used for routine immunisation and not used for prevention and control of epidemics.