Thiruvananthapuram on high alert after Cholera outbreak; 10 people fall ill with symptoms

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: In the wake of the cholera outbreak in Neyyattinkara, the health department issued a warning in the capital city on Tuesday. People with loose bowel movements are advised to take tests for diarrhoea from their nearest clinics. People with cravings for fish, clams, and prawns should cook the dish only after washing them thoroughly.

An inmate of Karunya Orphanage in Neyyattinkara Thavaravila had died yesterday with symptoms of cholera. Another inmate, a ten-year-old boy, was diagnosed with the disease the other day. Ten people from the orphanage are being treated for symptoms. In the last six months, nine people have been diagnosed with cholera in the state. The last cholera death in Kerala was reported in 2017.

Cholera is a diarrheal disease caused by the bacterium Vibrio cholera. Even if the symptoms of the disease subside, there is a chance of transmission from the patient for a few more days. Cholera is usually spread through contaminated water and food. The disease can occur within five days after the germs enter the body.

Vomiting is often present in such patients. As a result, the patient may quickly become dehydrated and feel lethargic. If not treated properly, the disease can quickly become serious.