Claim of “Cholera Epidemic In The Earthquake Zone”
It was claimed that the cholera epidemic started in Adıyaman, one of the provinces most affected by the Kahramanmaraş-centered earthquake disaster. Istanbul Medical Chamber (ITO) denied the allegations of cholera epidemic with its statement on social media.
After the allegations about cholera, one of the diseases with the highest risk of being seen after natural disasters, a statement came from the Istanbul Medical Chamber.
Istanbul Medical Chamber (ITO) made a statement on its social media account; “İTO teams in Adıyaman did not confirm the information that there was a cholera epidemic after the #earthquake. Let’s take care not to cause information pollution.” used expressions.
WHAT IS COLERA?
Cholera is an acute and severe diarrheal disease caused by an intestinal infection caused by the bacterium Vibrio cholerae. Cholera can easily spread and cause death in communities living in crowded environments and affected by war, poverty and natural disasters.
Cholera is more likely to occur where water and personal hygiene are inadequate. The risk of occurrence is high in areas with camp life, especially in communities where water hygiene is inadequate, in immigrants and non-resident population groups, after natural disasters such as excessive rainfall, floods, earthquakes, etc. . mixes with drinking and utility water. Improving the living conditions of the population at risk and public education are essential in preventing the disease.
HOW IS COLERA TRANSMITTED?
Cholera is transmitted by ingesting cholera agents that can cause infection. Infection is usually transmitted through water contaminated with feces. Contamination occurs when this water is drunk directly or by eating contaminated food. Food that comes into contact with the dirty hands of infected people can also transmit the disease. No human-to-human transmission of cholera has been observed through direct contact (for example, by shaking hands, touching, or when treating a sick person). Although the incubation period can vary from a few hours to five days, it is usually 2-3 days. Contamination continues as long as there is a cholera agent in the stool. Although the agent can be seen in the stool until a few days after recovery, sometimes the carrier can last for months. Effective antibiotics shorten the transmission time.
SYMPTOMS OF Cholera
Most cholera infections are mild. Patients may have no symptoms or only mild diarrhea. Abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, profuse and frequent defecation and the appearance of rice water, thirst due to water, loss of minerals and salts, muscle cramps can be seen.
However, in some patients, the disease begins with severe watery diarrhea and vomiting, causing a large loss of fluid and salt from the body. The patient feels thirsty, urine output stops, rapid weight loss and fluid loss develop. In severe cases of cholera, cramps often occur in the stomach, arms, and legs. In these people, dehydration and shock occur due to the rapid loss of body fluids. If left untreated, it can result in death within hours.
