Cholera risk in Chittagong

Cholera is an acute diarrhoeal illness caused by Vibrio cholerae bacteria. It spreads through contaminated water and food. Without rapid rehydration, severe cases can be fatal within hours. Chittagong faces elevated cholera risk due to monsoon flooding that mixes sewage with drinking water, dense urban slums with shared latrines, seasonal cyclone damage to water infrastructure, and widespread street food consumption. The risk score of 66/100 reflects persistent challenges with water treatment coverage and population density. Prevention steps: 1. Treat your water always. Boil drinking water for at least one minute. If boiling is not possible, use chlorine tablets or a certified filter. Avoid ice from street vendors and unsealed water bottles. 2. Wash hands with soap at critical moments: before eating, after using the toilet, and after handling floodwater or garbage. Keep a portable soap or hand sanitizer when soap and clean water are unavailable. 3. Eat only freshly cooked, hot food. Peel fruits yourself. Avoid raw shellfish, salads from street stalls, and food that has been sitting uncovered, especially during and after heavy rains. 4. Store water in narrow-mouthed, covered containers. Do not dip hands or cups directly into stored water. Clean containers weekly with bleach solution. 5. Prepare oral rehydration salts at home: mix six teaspoons of sugar, half teaspoon of salt, and one litre of clean water. Start sipping immediately if diarrhoea begins. Seek medical care if vomiting persists or signs of severe dehydration appear. Report suspected cholera cases to the local health office early to trigger rapid response.