Cholera

According to the World Health Organization, the world has experienced no less than seven cholera pandemics in the past two centuries. The seventh began in 1961 and unfortunately persists to this day. This infectious disease remains a global public health problem. What do we know about cholera, an illness that is still affecting thousands worldwide, and how do we fight it?

What is Cholera ?

Cholera is a highly contagious intestinal infection, caused by the bacterium Vibrio cholerae. The disease is mainly prevalent in Africa, but affects many other parts of the world.

Its spread is due to conflicts, with displaced populations, and climate change. It is responsible for epidemics in areas where access to safe drinking water and sanitation is inadequate.

How Do You Get Cholera ?

Contamination occurs mainly by consuming water or food contaminated with the bacterium Vibrio cholerae. Cholera spreads more easily in areas facing challenges with access to clean water and sewage treatment.

Regular handwashing and consuming safe water are crucial practices to prevent transmission. Proper sanitation is also essential to avoid recontamination in affected areas.

What Are the Symptoms of Cholera ?

In most cases, people infected with the Vibrio cholerae bacteria remain asymptomatic. For those who do show symptoms, they are typically mild to moderate.

Around 20% of patients experience more severe symptoms, leading to rapid health deterioration. The most common include:

Acute, abundant, painless watery diarrhea that may appear suddenly.
Frequent vomiting, which can worsen dehydration.
Rapid dehydration leading to dry skin, intense thirst, and decreased urine production.
Lethargy or irritability in some patients, especially among young children.
Muscle cramps, mainly in the legs.

If these acute cholera symptoms remain untreated, they can be life-threatening. Cholera mainly affects children aged 5 and above, as well as adults.

How Can Cholera Be Treated ?

It is easy to cure people infected with cholera if they receive care early. Here are the key treatment steps:

Oral rehydration, using special solutions, or salts, to compensate for the loss of fluids and electrolytes.
Hospitalization in severe cases, as medical care in a hospital setting is necessary.
Antibiotics, recommended to reduce the duration and severity of diarrhea.
Monitoring and observation of signs of dehydration to adjust treatments effectively.
Nutritional support, as a suitable diet strengthens the immune system.
Vaccination if necessary, subject to vaccine availability.

Effective management ensures higher recovery rates and reduces cholera-related mortality.

Is There a Vaccine for Cholera ?

An oral vaccine exists against cholera. A recent global shortage has reduced the vaccination dosages down to a single dose, instead of the recommended two. While vaccine protection decreases in this case, it also allows vaccinations to reach more people.

Vaccination is recommended in endemic areas and for at-risk groups. However, it is important to note that cholera vaccines are only part of the solution. A comprehensive approach is essential to prevent the spread of cholera and eradicate the disease.

This approach includes:

Better access to drinking water;
Adequate wastewater treatment;
Hygiene awareness-raising, including handwashing.

How is ALIMA Fighting Cholera ?

ALIMA was able to initiate rapid responses when various cholera outbreaks appeared.

For example, in 2018, in the Maradi region of southern Niger, ALIMA launched an emergency intervention:

With the support of the European Commission, ALIMA established a Cholera Treatment Center (CTC) in Niger to ensure effective care, with dedicated areas for triage, hospitalization, and recovery.

ALIMA has also trained community relays to identify and refer patients, while conducting awareness campaigns among at-risk populations.

Moreover, in 2023, ALIMA was engaged in the response to the humanitarian crisis in North Kivu, Democratic Republic of Congo, where cholera poses a significant threat. Its interventions included:

Medical care;
Vaccination campaigns;
Psychosocial support for displaced persons.

Its Rapid Response Mechanism (RRM) allows ALIMA to deploy emergency care within 72 hours, relying on close collaboration with local communities.

Thanks to these coordinated efforts, ALIMA continues to provide an essential response to the cholera threat. You can support ALIMA’s efforts and help the organization put an end to the cholera epidemic through donations.

14 millions

c’est le nombre de personnes qui meurent chaque année à cause d’une maladie infectieuse.

335

c’est le nombre de maladies infectieuses émergentes qui ont été détectées entre 1940 et 2004.

70 %

de ces maladies sont des zoonoses, donc issues d’un virus d’origine animale et franchissent la barrière de l’espèce pour atteindre les humains.
(Source : Institut Pasteur)