Avoid Getting Cholera
There is currently an outbreak of Cholera in Nigeria . The epidemic is still rampaging and has spread to States both in the North and South of the country.  Our travelling staff must therefore do everything possible to avoid getting Cholera.
 
Cholera is a bacterial infection. It is caused by drinking water that is contaminated with vibrio cholerae bacteria, or by eating food that has been in contact with contaminated water. Many people who are infected with cholera bacteria may not develop any symptoms (but can still pass on the disease!). However, cholera can cause: severe, watery diarrhoea, nausea, vomiting and muscle cramps. Without prompt treatment more than 50% of people with the severe disease will die within hours, usually due to a combination of dehydration (lack of water in the body) and shock (a sudden and massive drop in blood pressure that starves the whole body of oxygen).
 
Cholera needs prompt treatment with Oral Rehydration Solution (ORS) to prevent dehydration and shock. Severe cases require intravenous fluid replacement. Antibiotics can also be used to treat the underlying infection. Prompt treatment is essential.
 
If you are travelling to parts of the country known to be affected by the cholera outbreak, remember to collect some ORS sachets from our Pharmacy.
 
Following some basic precautions should prevent you from contracting a cholera infection:
 
•   Maintain good personal hygiene.
•   Only drink water from properly sealed bottles or water that you have boiled.
•   Eat only foods that have been thoroughly cooked and are still hot.
•   Avoid ice cream, ice cubes or fruit juices from street vendors.
•   Do not eat raw vegetables, peeled fruit (unless peeled by yourself), shellfish or salads.
•   Ensure that your vegetables are thoroughly washed
 
 
Remember this simple rule of the thumb, “Boil it, cook it, peel it or forget it”