CHENNAI: The suspected outbreak of cholera at Kottivakkam Kuppam has put the spotlight on simple but effective preventive measures.

Cholera is an intestinal infection caused by the bacterium Vibrio cholerae. Often the infection is mild and asymptomatic but one in 20 infected persons may be severely affected with watery stools, vomiting and cramps in the leg.

According to a WHO weekly epidemiological report (August 5, 2005), 81 per cent of all notified cases in Asia were from India. The WHO website also estimates that only 5-10 per cent of the actual cases are reported to the organisation.

In an epidemic prompt medical care minimises the occurrence of death, but left untreated, at least half the affected population could die. Usually, even among the infected only 10-20 per cent develop severe symptoms. The core treatment is restoring the lost body fluids.

Nearly 80 per cent of affected people respond well to oral rehydration salts.

Those exhibiting severe symptoms require intravenous fluid replacement.

Cholera is infectious but not contagious and is common in overcrowded areas with poor access to health care. Inadequate treatment of sewage and drinking water can aggravate the disease.

When several families in an area exhibit the same disease it may be assumed that the faeces of the infected person is the source of contamination.

Antibiotics reduce the course of the disease and lessen its severity. Though vaccines are available, the immunity offered is for a short time only.

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