How to Educate Children to Avoid Cholera

Children share everything, including germs and bacteria.

Cholera outbreaks are common occurrences in developing countries. Children are especially susceptible to contracting this bacterial infection due to poor hygiene and low immunity. Cholera bacterium, "Vibrio cholerae," is spread by direct contact with the bacteria and oral ingestion. Hosts for cholera bacteria are water and human beings. Poor sanitation practices allow the spread of cholera through food and drink. Salt water may also play host to cholera bacteria. Cholera symptoms include watery diarrhea, dehydration and nausea. Dehydration is especially dangerous for children and must be treated immediately. To prevent the spread of cholera, children must be educated in proper hygiene practices.

Instructions

1. Explain to children in simple terms how germs and bacteria make people sick. Discuss how germs and bacteria are spread. Remind children that germs and bacteria are present even when things do not look dirty.

2. Teach children proper hand-washing techniques. Hand-washing training should include a discussion about how germs are transmitted to the faucet handle by dirty hands. Demonstrate the use of warm water, hand soap, friction by rubbing hands together and towels. Pay attention to the duration of hand washing. Saying the ABCs or singing a little song while washing hands will help ensure proper duration.

3. Encourage children to avoid drinking or eating after anyone else. It is possible to carry the cholera bacteria without showing symptoms of the illness.

4. Pay particular attention to children's toilet hygiene, as feces is a main carrier of the bacteria. A person's stool may carry live bacteria for 7 to 10 days after symptoms subside. Infected children should bathe frequently and change clothes to prevent the spread of cholera bacteria from contaminated skin or clothing.

Tips & Warnings

• Children should wash their hands before eating or drinking, after toileting and when coming inside after playing outdoors.

• Fingernails should be kept short to prevent dirt and germ buildup under the nails.

• Sunken eyes and skin that will not snap back are signs of dehydration. Dehydration is serious. Administer fluids orally and seek medical attention.

References

• World Health Organization: Cholera
• Save the Children: Hygiene Promotion is Key to Preventing a Nationwide Cholera Epidemic in Haiti
• eMedicine: Cholera
• Mayo Clinic: Cholera Symptoms

Resources

• Unicef: Water, Sanitation and Hygiene Education
• Kaboose: Hygiene Guide Personal Hygiene for Kids