loose stool. Your aim is to try and replace as much fluid and electrolytes lost in each stool. Thereafter drinking 250ml every half hour will do till you get your nearest health facility
2. If you don’ t have oral rehydration salts, then clear soups in similar quantities will provide the required electrolytes instead of water alone.
3. Vomiting is usually very difficult to deal with and is a sign( in any type of diarrhea) that you should seek medical advice.
T REATMENT
Cholera is a serious diagnosis with public health significance and should not be treated at home. Once you suspect you have it, it is better to see a GP who would give you some type of first aid / palliative care and refer you to a Cholera Treatment Centre.
Maintaining circulation by replacing water and electrolytes is the focus of treatment. The earlier this is started the better the end result. If you are severely dehydrated then you may need a drip to quicken or jumpstart the rehydration process. A course of specific antibiotics will be given along with fluids in a Cholera Treatment Centre. Because of the Public Health importance of Cholera, treatment centers in Ghana are usually specific Public Health facilities with staff trained to manage cholera cases. Here is a list of a few. Your regular GP may also be able to suggest a Centre close to you. Adabraka Polyclinic – Accra Korle-Bu Polyclinic – Accra Central Hospital- Cape Coast Effiia Nkwanta Hospital- Takoradi
P REVENTION
Simple prevention methods hold true here. When travelling to a cholera endemic area
1. Drink only bottled or boiled water. 2. Avoid asking for ice with your drinks as source of water used is uncertain. 3. Only eat raw fruits and vegetable you can was and peel yourself. Keeping in mind that washing or soaking vegetables and fruit in brine may not completely eliminate V. Cholerae 4. Wash hands regularly( especially when preparing meals at home or eating).
CONTACT: Caroline Pearman- GM Medical Evaluation and Marketing- Counseling Psychologist www. westafrican-rescue. com help @ westafrican-rescue. com Phone: + 233 0302 781258 Cell: + 233 24 4312497 Fax: + 233 0302 781259 www. oilcityghana. com 35