Cholera in children

Here’s the shorter version of Cholera in children, within 1,350 characters: Cholera in Children: Important Information for Parents Cholera is a serious bacterial infection caused by Vibrio cholerae, usually spread through contaminated food or water. It causes severe diarrhea and can lead to life-threatening dehydration if not treated quickly. 1. What is Cholera? Cholera is spread through contaminated water or food. It infects the intestines, leading to rapid loss of fluids from the body. 2. Symptoms to Watch For Symptoms usually appear within hours to a few days of exposure and include: Watery diarrhea (often “rice-water” stools) Vomiting Leg cramps Severe dehydration (dry mouth, sunken eyes, rapid heartbeat) 3. Complications Cholera can cause dangerous dehydration, leading to shock or death if not treated. Immediate medical attention is needed if a child shows signs of dehydration, such as extreme thirst, little urine, or drowsiness. 4. Home Care Tips For mild cases: Oral Rehydration: Give oral rehydration solutions (ORS) to replace lost fluids and salts. Safe Water: Ensure the child drinks clean, purified water. Light Diet: Feed easily digestible foods like rice and broth. 5. When to Seek Medical Help Seek immediate medical help if your child’s diarrhea persists or dehydration worsens. Prevent cholera by using clean water, good hygiene, and proper food safety practices.