Dear Bush Doctor, as avid 4x4 caravaners we travel extensively throughout Africa, my current concern is how does Cholera affect me and my family?
The most important thing to realise is that Cholera is a disease that rests on poor sanitation conditions. Generally, if water is properly treated there is no danger that one can acquire Cholera. So tap water is generally safe to drink. The danger for us campers is the exposure to water in rivers and dams. Often, however, as outdoor enthusiasts we find ourselves driving across water hazards. Driving through dams, rivers and vleis, potentially exposes us to contaminated water.
In Africa, where running tap water and sanitary systems are not available, people make use of rivers to collect water for consumption as well as for general hygiene. The problem comes into play when water is polluted with human excrement. This becomes a breeding ground for parasites and organisms to breed. Cholera has become an epidemic in Zimbabwe and subsequently South Africa and Sub-Saharan countries. Travelling to remote rural areas has become a problem. I am not sure of the extent of the problem in other Sub Saharan countries never the less the same general rules apply. Do not under any circumstances drink water from rivers, dams or containers you are not sure of the quality of the water. Take safe water with you and also chlorine tablets to disinfect the water.
Yours truly,
The Bush Doctor
Dear Bush Doctor, as avid 4x4 caravaners we travel extensively throughout Africa, my current concern is how does Cholera affect me and my family?
The most important thing to realise is that Cholera is a disease that rests on poor sanitation conditions. Generally, if water is properly treated there is no danger that one can acquire Cholera. So tap water is generally safe to drink. The danger for us campers is the exposure to water in rivers and dams. Often, however, as outdoor enthusiasts we find ourselves driving across water hazards. Driving through dams, rivers and vleis, potentially exposes us to contaminated water.
In Africa, where running tap water and sanitary systems are not available, people make use of rivers to collect water for consumption as well as for general hygiene. The problem comes into play when water is polluted with human excrement. This becomes a breeding ground for parasites and organisms to breed. Cholera has become an epidemic in Zimbabwe and subsequently South Africa and Sub-Saharan countries. Travelling to remote rural areas has become a problem. I am not sure of the extent of the problem in other Sub Saharan countries never the less the same general rules apply. Do not under any circumstances drink water from rivers, dams or containers you are not sure of the quality of the water. Take safe water with you and also chlorine tablets to disinfect the water.
Yours truly,
The Bush Doctor