Sanitation keeps cholera at bay
Health Ministry (MoH) Undersecretary for Hospital Affairs Dr. Waleed Manea yesterday said that a fewer Bahrainis have been diagnosed with Cholera, which transmits through contaminated water and food.
Addressing media yesterday in the presence of Information and Parliament Affairs Minister Isa bin Abdulrahman Al Hammadi at the press briefing after the cabinet meeting, the Undersecretary for Hospital Affairs said that as many as 55 suspected cholera cases coming in from Iraq and one from Kuwait but only eight among them required a follow- up check.
Among the eight cases, only two of them had to remain in hospital due to the severity of their condition. Rest of them were released immediately and they are in good health, he said.
Dr. Manea’s press briefing came after the Cabinet meeting in which Prime Minister HRH Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa received updates on cholera cases in the Kingdom and urged the MoH to follow preventive measures.
Bahrain is not a source region for cholera, Undersecretary for Hospital Affairs confirmed, adding that the Kingdom supplies hygienic drinking water and the drainage system is well-maintained in Bahrain. “In some countries, drainage water gets mixed with the drinking water, increasing the risk of Cholera outbreak. In Bahrain, there is no such problem as we have effective sanitary system,” he said, adding that all eight Cholera patients recently came from other countries.
Since a huge number of Bahrainis are visiting Iraq, where Cholera has so far killed six people, some precautions are need of the hour, he said, highlighting the importance of personal hygiene while visiting cholera affected countries.
Measures like maintaining personal hygiene, washing fruits and vegetables before eating and exercising cautiousness while eating uncooked food could prevent Cholera to a maximum extent. Preventive measures are more effective than taking vaccinations, Dr. Manea said. The MoH has been reviewing all Cholera related developments taking place in and around Bahrain. The ministry is also in touch with the World Health Organisation to get latest information on the disease. In the meantime, MoH is closely monitoring the Iraq developments, he said, urging the Iraq journey organisers to take all necessary measure to save Bahrainis from Cholera.
He also advised the journey organisers to accompany a paramedic during Iraq journey. “Having a paramedic is advantageous. But awareness is more important,” he said.
Meanwhile, he asked people to visit nearest health centre if they notice any symptoms of Cholera.
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