A child wakes up with watery stooling that will not stop. Within hours, cholera can drain the body of fluid, and that loss of fluid is what kills.
Nigeria has recorded more than 65,000 suspected cholera cases across 35 states this year, most of them in Borno. NCDC says weekly cases have dropped from the peak, but the outbreak is not over, and thousands of new cases were still being reported in October.
Cholera spreads through water and food contaminated with faeces. Boil or treat drinking water, wash hands with soap, and eat food while it is hot.
If someone starts purging, give oral rehydration solution (ORS) sip by sip and go straight to the nearest health facility. Early treatment saves lives.
This article is for general information and is not a substitute for professional medical advice.
The Health Factor Africa
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