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Introduction to the lesson
In 2008, Zimbabwe reported 11,735 cases of cholera and 484 deaths from cholera between August and December. WHO reported that one of the aggravating factors of this endemic was an interrupted supply of clean water. Having looked at infectious disease in general, we will now hone in on each of the five that are covered in this chapter. In this lesson, we will see cholera -- how it is transmitted and how it can be treated and prevented.
Cholera
Read the section entitled "Cholera" p.200-202 of your text book. Also read the WHO Cholera fact sheet.
Learning Activity 1
Answer the following questions in your exercise book.
- Study Table 10.2.
- What pathogen causes cholera?
- Explain how this pathogen is transmitted?
- Describe the global distribution of cholera.
- What is the incubation period of the bacterium?
- State the site of action of the pathogen.
- List the clinical features (symptoms) of the disease.
- How is the disease diagnosed?
- What is the annual incidence worldwide?
- What is the annual mortality worldwide?
- How can the disease be prevented?
- Do an internet study on the incidence of cholera in South Africa.
- Describe the treatment for cholera.
- Describe how cholera can be prevented.
- Why is cholera almost unknown in First World or developed countries?
- Why do you think the seventh pandemic which began in 1961 caused an epidemic in Peru in January 1999?
- What measures should a country like Zimbabwe in 2008 or Peru in 1999 take when faced with a cholera endemic?
- Answer Questions 10.1-10.5 on p.202 of your text book.
Definitions and review
Mindmap
Add this section to your chapter ten mindmap.