WHO warns of cholera spread, what you need to do to stay safe

The World Health Organisation (WHO) warned that cholera cases in Sudan are set to rise and could spread to neighbouring countries, including Chad, which hosts hundreds of thousands of refugees from Sudan's civil war in crowded conditions.

"Our concern is that cholera is spreading. We assume that if we don't invest in the prevention measures, in surveillance, in the early warning system, in vaccination and in educating the population, for sure, the neighbouring countries, but not only that, it can maybe spread to the sub-region," said Dr Shible Sahbani, WHO Representative for Sudan.

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Caused by bacteria, cholera most often spreads through water, and can also spread through tainted food. As per the Mayo Clinic, The risk of a cholera outbreak is highest when poverty, war or natural disasters affect people. These situations can force people to live in crowded spaces that lack sanitation. 

What are the symptoms?

Some of the symptoms include diarrhoea, dehydration, upset stomach and vomiting. Other symptoms include irritable behavior, fatigue, sunken eyes, a dry mouth, extreme thirst, and little or no urinating, as per the Mayo Clinic. 

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How to prevent it?

- Maintain personal hygiene and wash your hands often

- Drink only safe water

- Consume completely cooked and hot food

- Stick to fruits and vegetables that you can peel yourself

- Take the cholera vaccine 

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