BAYERO UNIVERSITY KANO

SCHOOL OF POST GRADUATE STUDIES

FACULTY OF LIFE SCIENCES
ENVIRONMENTAL AND PUBLIC HEALTH MICROBIOLOGY

COURSE CODE: MCB 7225

COURSE TITLE: THEORY AND PRACTICE OF PUBLIC HEALTH

SAIDU YUSUF
SPS/21/GEP/00032

ASSIGNMENT QUESTION: Using your natural history of diseases describe in details how you will
control the occurrence of the disease in a community

COURSE LECTURER: Dr. Aisha

INTRODUCTION

Natural diseases, also known as infectious diseases or communicable diseases, are illnesses caused by
pathogenic microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, parasites, or other biological agents. These
diseases can be transmitted from one person to another, from animals to humans, or through
environmental sources. Some examples of natural diseases include

Cholera remains a global threat to public health and a key indicator of lack of social
development. Cholera, an acute diarrheal disease caused by gram-negative bacillus Vibrio cholerae
of serogroup 01 and 0139 is associated with high morbidity and mortality. Cholera is a severe and
potentially deadly infectious disease caused by the bacterium Vibrio cholerae. It is characterized by
acute watery diarrhea, vomiting, and rapid dehydration. Cholera has a long history of causing outbreaks,
often associated with contaminated water and poor sanitation. In the past, cholera epidemics led to
significant morbidity and mortality. However, the occurrence of cholera in a community can be
effectively controlled through a combination of preventive and management measures. This response
will discuss strategies to control cholera's occurrence in a community.

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS

The onset of cholera often starts with stomach cramps, vomiting and diarrhea, and if left untreated may
progress to fluid losses of up to 1 litre per hour, resulting in severe dehydration and metabolic acidosis,
and consequently kidney failure, shock, coma, and death. About 50% of cholera cases are asymptomatic.
Asymptomatic cases shed vibrios in their stools and serve as a potential source of infection to others.
Symptomatic patients may also shed vibrios before the onset of illness and will continue to shed the
organisms for about 1 to 2 weeks.

MODE OF TRANSMISSION

Cholera is transmitted through the fecal-oral route via contaminated food, carriers and unsanitary
environmental conditions. Cholera outbreaks tend to occur as a result of contamination of food or water
with Vibrio cholera organisms due to poor personal hygiene, unsafe environmental sanitation conditions
compounded by lack of potable water supply. Internal displacement of persons by natural and man-
made disasters leading to unstable living conditions with contamination of food and water sources have
also been reported to cause cholera outbreaks.

CONTROL MEASURES

Controlling the occurrence of cholera in a community requires a multifaceted approach that takes into
account the natural history of the disease. Cholera is caused by the bacterium Vibrio cholerae and is
typically transmitted through contaminated water and food. Here's a detailed plan for controlling
cholera in a community:

 Education and Awareness: Begin by educating the community about the causes, symptoms, and
prevention of cholera. Emphasize the importance of clean water, sanitation, and personal
hygiene. Knowledge is the first line of defense.
  Safe Water Supply: Ensure a safe and reliable source of clean drinking water. This can be
achieved through improved water treatment, distribution systems, and regular water quality
testing. Encourage the use of water filters and chlorination at the household level if necessary.

 Improved Sanitation: Proper sanitation facilities are crucial. Invest in building and maintaining
latrines and sewage systems to prevent contamination of water sources. Promote the
construction of toilets in households.

 Hygiene Practices: Encourage good hygiene practices, such as regular handwashing with soap,
especially before eating and after using the toilet. Promote the use of latrines and safe disposal
of feces.

 Surveillance and Early Detection: Establish a cholera surveillance system to detect outbreaks
early. This involves monitoring diarrhea cases, laboratory testing, and reporting of cases to
health authorities.

 Treatment Centers: Set up treatment centers to provide prompt medical care for cholera cases.
Rehydration therapy, which includes oral rehydration solutions, can be lifesaving. Adequate
medical staff and supplies are essential.

 Vaccination: Consider mass vaccination campaigns in cholera-prone areas. The cholera vaccine
can provide short-term protection and is useful in controlling outbreaks.

 Vector Control: In endemic areas, where cholera is transmitted through aquatic environments,
control measures for water-dwelling vectors may be necessary, such as larvicide treatments.

 Community Involvement: Engage the community in the planning and implementation of cholera
control measures. Encourage local leaders and community health workers to play a role in
raising awareness and implementing interventions.

 Contingency Planning: Develop a contingency plan for responding to cholera outbreaks,

including mobilizing resources, coordinating with health organizations, and communicating with
the public.

 Research and Monitoring: Continuously monitor the effectiveness of control measures and
invest in research to understand the local epidemiology of cholera. This will help tailor
interventions to the community's specific needs.

 International Cooperation: Cholera can cross borders, so collaborate with neighboring regions
and international health organizations to prevent and control the spread of the disease.

By addressing these aspects while considering the natural history of cholera transmission, you can
significantly reduce the occurrence of cholera in a community and minimize the impact of outbreaks.
Remember that a holistic, community-based approach is key to long-term success.
Controlling Cholera Occurrence in a Community:

Improved Water and Sanitation:

A fundamental aspect of cholera control is ensuring access to safe drinking water and proper sanitation.
Communities should invest in clean water sources, sewage systems, and hygiene education to reduce
the risk of contamination. This includes treating water supplies and promoting safe water storage
practices.

Hygiene Promotion:

Community education programs play a crucial role in promoting hand hygiene, safe food handling, and
sanitation practices. Teaching individuals to wash their hands with soap and water can prevent the
spread of cholera and other waterborne diseases.

Vaccination:

Cholera vaccines are available and can be administered to high-risk populations or during outbreaks to
provide temporary protection. Vaccination campaigns can help prevent the rapid spread of the disease.

Isolation and Treatment:

Isolating cholera patients in treatment centers helps prevent the further spread of the disease. Providing
rehydration therapy and antibiotics to infected individuals can reduce mortality rates.

Community Engagement:

Communities should actively participate in disease control efforts. Engaging community leaders and
local health workers can help ensure that prevention and control strategies are culturally sensitive and
effective.

Global Cooperation:

Cholera often crosses borders, and global cooperation is vital for preventing and controlling outbreaks.
International organizations and governments must collaborate to share information and resources to
combat cholera effectively.
Conclusion

Cholera, an ancient and devastating infectious disease, continues to pose a threat to communities,
particularly in areas with limited access to clean water and sanitation. However, it is reassuring that
there are effective strategies to control its occurrence and prevent widespread outbreaks. By addressing
the root causes of cholera through improved water and sanitation, promoting hygiene and vaccination,
enhancing surveillance, and engaging communities, the impact of this disease can be significantly
reduced.

The global community must recognize that cholera knows no borders, and international collaboration is
crucial for early detection, rapid response, and resource sharing. As we implement these strategies and
invest in prevention and treatment, we move closer to the ultimate goal of eradicating cholera and
ensuring the health and well-being of vulnerable populations.

Cholera remains a significant public health challenge, but with coordinated efforts and a commitment to
the comprehensive control measures discussed, we can envision a future where cholera's occurrence is
rare, and its impact is greatly diminished.

Through dedication, cooperation, and the application of evidence-based strategies, we can write a new
chapter in the history of cholera – one that marks its eventual decline and eventual elimination.

References and ongoing research will continue to refine our understanding and approach to cholera
control, ensuring that our efforts remain informed by the latest scientific advancements and practical
experiences in the field.
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Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2021). Cholera - Vibrio cholerae infection.
https://www.cdc.gov/cholera/index.html

Charles RC, Ryan ET. Cholera in the 21st century. Curr opin infect dis. 2011;24:427-7

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World Health Organization. (2019). Cholera.

https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/cholera