DEC and the Pakistan Appeal

I am sure that you have all seen the footage of the floods in Pakistan on the TV over the last few days, and read about the DEC's concerns about cholera. Frequent travellers will know the dangers of this horrendous disease, but many people I have spoken to have no idea what it is or how it kills.

Below is a copy of the DEC's cholera factsheet; children are often the worst affected, yet treatment can be as simple as giving them oral rehydration salts costing as little as 3p a sachet. Please visit the DEC website to read more, or call their donation line on 0370 60 60 900.

Thanks,

Becci

CHOLERA FACT SHEET

What causes cholera and why is it so dangerous?

• Cholera is a bacterium that spreads through infected water or food.
• The disease causes acute watery diarrhoea, which can lead to life-threatening dehydration within hours.
• Patients can lose up to 10 litres of fluid a day.
• Where people are living in cramped, unsanitary conditions without proper toilets or clean drinking water, the disease can spread incredibly quickly.
• The incubation period is very short which means people start to become ill very quickly after being infected.
• People with low immunity - such as malnourished children - are at greater risk of contracting the disease and succumbing to it.
• If cholera takes hold in an already vulnerable population it can kill up to 50-60% of those infected if they do not receive prompt treatment.

How can cholera be prevented?

• Adequate sanitation - ensuring toilets don't leak and are a safe distance from drinking water sources.
• Delivery of safe drinking water.
• Good food and personal hygiene.
• Chlorination of contaminated water sources where possible.
• Public health education and promotion.
• Oral vaccines are also available but are not the best first line of defence against the spread of cholera during an emergency.

How is cholera treated?

• Speed of treatment is the key to survival. If cholera is treated quickly and effectively, the mortality rate is less than 1%, but if left untreated the rate can jump to 50-60%.
• Most cases can be easily treated with Oral Rehydration salts, costing just 3p per sachet.
• Intravenous drips can be used to rehydrate patients in the most extreme case.
• Antibiotics can also be used but are not necessary for most patients so long as they are receiving rehydration treatment.