Cholera

About Cholera:

 

• It is an acute diarrhoeal infection caused by ingestion of food or water contaminated with the bacterium Vibrio cholerae.
• It remains a global threat to public health and an indicator of inequity and lack of social development.
• Symptoms
  • It is an extremely virulent disease that can cause severe acute watery diarrhoea. 
  • Profuse watery diarrhoea, Vomiting,  Leg cramps etc
• The disease can spread rapidly in areas with inadequate treatment of sewage and drinking water.
• Currently, there are three WHO pre-qualified oral cholera vaccines (OCV), Dukoral, Shanchol, and Euvichol-Plus. 
• All three vaccines require two doses for full protection.

 

Key facts about UNICEF

• UNICEF stands for the United Nations Children's Fund.
• It is a specialized agency of the United Nations dedicated to providing humanitarian and developmental assistance to children and mothers in developing countries. 
• It was established in 1946 and is headquartered in New York City, United States.
• The organization operates in over 190 countries and territories around the world.
• It is working to ensure that every child has access to basic healthcare, education, nutrition, clean water, and protection from violence and exploitation.

 

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Q1) What are Bacteria?

Bacteria are a diverse group of single-celled microorganisms that are found in virtually every environment on Earth. They  are classified as prokaryotes, which means they lack a nucleus and membrane-bound organelles. Instead, their genetic material (DNA) is found in a region called the nucleoid.

Source: Children in Congo facing worst cholera outbreak since 2017: UNICEF