WHO Warns About Rising Cholera Outbreaks

 

    

🌍 What Is Happening?

The World Health Organization (WHO) has raised an alert because cholera cases have risen by 50% worldwide in the last year.

Cholera is a deadly diarrheal disease caused by eating or drinking food or water contaminated with the Vibrio cholerae bacteria.

In 2024 and early 2025, over 700,000 cases and 4,000 deaths were reported in 30 countries, mainly in Africa and Asia.

🔴 Why is this important?

• Cholera spreads very fast in places with poor sanitation and limited clean water.

• Children and the elderly are especially at risk of severe dehydration and death.

Dr. Philippe Barboza, WHO Cholera Lead, said:

“The scale of this outbreak is unprecedented. Many countries lack enough vaccines, clean water, and resources to fight it.”

✅ Main Causes:

• Floods and climate change damaging water systems.

• Population displacement due to conflicts.

• Weak health systems.

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💔 Why Should We Care?

If not treated quickly, cholera can kill within hours.

🚨 Symptoms usually appear 2–5 days after infection:

• Severe watery diarrhea (“rice-water stools”).

• Vomiting.

• Leg cramps.

• Rapid dehydration.

🔍 Complications:

• Shock.

• Kidney failure.

• Death, especially in children under 5.

WHO says more than half of the world’s population lives in areas at risk of cholera outbreaks.

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🌱 What Can We Do About It?

WHO recommends prevention and early treatment:

✅ How to Prevent Cholera:
1️⃣ Drink only safe water (boiled, treated, or bottled).
2️⃣ Wash hands with soap, especially after using the toilet and before eating.
3️⃣ Cook food well and eat it hot.
4️⃣ Wash fruits and vegetables with safe water.
5️⃣ Use clean toilets.
6️⃣ Safely dispose of feces.
7️⃣ Get vaccinated in high-risk areas.

✅ If you get sick:

• Start oral rehydration salts (ORS) immediately.

• Seek medical care quickly.

• In severe cases, IV fluids and antibiotics are needed.

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🧠 Expert Words

Dr. Philippe Barboza said:

“Clean water, sanitation, and early treatment save lives. Communities must act fast to protect the most vulnerable.”

WHO is working with partners to deliver:

• Cholera vaccines.

• Water treatment supplies.

• Health worker training.