Why is Cholera Common in the Rainy Season?

Waterborne transmission

Several studies have been undertaken to understand the relationship between the rainy season and the rise of cholera. Heavy rainfall is definitely the primary factor for the rise of cholera, according to the results of these studies.

During the rainy season, the chances of your exposure to contaminated water are higher. Hence, waterborne transmissions through contaminated water lead to the rise of cholera and other ailments.

According to studies, climatic conditions (heavy rainfall) play an important role in the transmission of cholera:

• Increased exposure to contaminated water

• Increased level of untreated sewage

• Improper sanitation practices

• Contamination of crops due to floods

Risk Factors and Vulnerable Population

Kids, elderly people, and those with poor immunity are more susceptible to cholera. Some other risk factors for this disease are listed below.

• Improper sanitation

People who live in places with poor or improper sanitation are more at risk of cholera. Natural disasters, like floods, can lead to a drop in overall sanitation methods. This is why cholera cases increase rapidly during monsoon.

Also, people living in underdeveloped countries, refugee camps, famine, flood-affected regions, or places near contaminated water sources are at high risk of contracting waterborne diseases like cholera.

• Inadequate stomach acids

The powerful acids in your stomach act as a defence mechanism for several ailments, cholera being one of them. During monsoon, the gut doesn’t function to its fullest capacity for some people. Hence, it doesn’t produce a lot of acids. Also, some people may not have enough acids in their stomach due to several reasons like age and existing medications. These people are at a higher risk of contracting cholera.

• Closeness with a cholera patient

If you have already been living with or taking care of a cholera-infected person at home, you are more likely to be sick with the ailment as well.

• Raw shellfish

According to some studies, eating raw or uncooked shellfish can increase your risk of cholera. The risk is even higher if the shellfish has been sourced from bacteria-infected water sources.

• Blood Group O

After observing several patterns of cholera patients across the globe for a few years, experts have concluded that people with the “O” blood group are more at risk of cholera. However, more research is needed to draw the exact relationship between blood groups and cholera infection.

Prevention and Treatment

1. Prevention

Now that you know what causes cholera disease, here are some easy-to-follow preventive measures:

• Get vaccinated against waterborne ailments

• Follow basic hygiene tips like washing hands before every meal

• Wash fruits and vegetables thoroughly before eating

• Avoid eating uncooked fish and green leafy vegetables

• Always drinking boiled/purified water

• Install water purifiers at home

• Avoid drinking water from unsafe sources (like public taps and open wells)

• Avoid eating unhealthy food from street vendors

• Eat fresh and light home-cooked meals rich in nutrients like probiotics to improve your digestive system

• Avoid swimming in waterbodies with impure water

• Visit a doctor immediately when you notice symptoms of high fever and loose stools for more than 2 days

2. Treatment

• Rehydration process

Cholera can make you feel severely dehydrated. Upon diagnosis, your doctor will ask you to immediately rehydrate yourself with oral rehydration salts (ORS). You may need IV fluids in addition to ORS in cases of severe infections.

• Antibiotics

If you have been experiencing severe fatigue due to loose stools, your doctor may prescribe antibiotics.

Supplements of zinc

Studies have proved that zinc supplements can control cholera-related symptoms.

FAQs

1. What leads to the increase of cholera in the rainy season?

The primary reason for cholera infection is contaminated water. During the rainy season, there are ample sources of contaminated water in the form of open wells, surface wells, stagnated water, and more. Hence, the bacteria from these impure sources easily get transmitted to humans during this season.

2. In which areas are cholera cases found the most?

According to studies, the remote areas of Africa and Southeast Asia are the most prone to cholera infections. These areas have poor sanitation methods and the water sources are mostly contaminated here.