Page 164 - Health, Population and Environment Education 10

vi. The rate of pulse and breathing increases.
vii. The patient may die in case of severe COPD if s/he does not get oxygen in time.

Preventive and Control Measures
i. Smoking should be avoided.

ii. We should stay away from the allergy.
iii. The patient should stay in a clean environment having fresh air.
iv. Sufficient hot liquid should be taken.
v. Oxygen should be given immediately if there is difficulty in breathing.

vi. Medicine should be taken according to doctor’s advice.
vii. Warm clothes should be worn to avoid cold.

7.12 Environmentally infectious Diseases

1. Cholera
Cholera is an infection of small intestine. It is caused by
some strains of bacterium Vibrio cholerae. This disease
is transmitted easily from unhealthy and polluted
environment. Cholera spreads mostly by unsafe water and
unsafe food that has been contaminated with human faeces
containing the bacteria. Humans are the only animals that
suffer from cholera. The major risk factors of this disease
include poor sanitation, not enough clean drinking water
and poverty. Fig: 19 Vibrio cholerae
Cholera affects an estimated 3 – 5 million people worldwide and causes 28800-130000
deaths a year. So cholera is classified as a pandemic disease. Areas with an ongoing risk of
disease include Africa and South-East-Asia. While the risk of death among those affected
is usually less than 5%, it may be as high as 50% among some groups who do not have
access to treatment.

Causative Agent Do You Know
The causative agent of cholera is a • In 1883 AD, Robert Cock discovered
bacterium called Vibrio cholerae. the causative agent of cholera, i.e. Vibrio
cholerae.
Modes of Transmission
i. Through contaminated food and water
ii. By means of flies

iii. Through the articles used by the patient

164 GREEN Health, Population and Environment Education Book-10