Anu : “Cholera Outbreak in Thiruvananthapuram: 10-Year-Old Confirmed Case, Fatalities Reported”

A recent case of cholera has been confirmed in Neyyattinkara, involving a ten-year-old boy from the Karunya Orphanage in Thavaravila. Currently, ten individuals from the orphanage are receiving medical treatment for the disease.

The health department has taken samples from the affected individuals for testing to determine the source of the outbreak. Tragically, a 26-year-old inmate named Anu, who exhibited symptoms of cholera, passed away recently. This incident marks the ninth confirmed case of cholera in the state within the past six months, with the last reported cholera-related death dating back to 2017.

Cholera is a waterborne illness caused by the Vibrio cholerae bacteria, typically spread through contaminated sewage. The bacteria enter the body through unsanitary environments, contaminated water, and food, producing a toxin known as ‘cholera toxin’ that leads to severe diarrhoea.

The primary symptoms of cholera include intense diarrhoea, vomiting, fever, dehydration, and blood in the stool. Maintaining personal hygiene practices, such as drinking boiled water, is crucial in preventing the spread of cholera. Additionally, super chlorination of wells in affected areas, thorough washing of fruits and vegetables, proper hand hygiene, and flea control measures are recommended to reduce the risk of transmission. Prompt treatment is essential, as untreated cholera can be fatal.