Cholera risk in Kolkata

Cholera is an acute diarrheal infection caused by ingesting food or water contaminated with the bacterium Vibrio cholerae. It can cause severe dehydration and death within hours if untreated. Kolkata faces elevated cholera risk due to several local factors. The city has aging water infrastructure that leads to contamination during monsoon flooding. High population density in areas like Howrah and North Kolkata increases person-to-person transmission. Street food vendors often use untreated water for preparation, and the Hooghly River serves as both a water source and drainage point for untreated sewage. Summer temperatures from April to June accelerate bacterial growth in standing water. Take these steps to protect yourself. Drink only boiled or bottled water. If boiling, maintain a rolling boil for at least one minute. Avoid ice cubes from street vendors since they often use untreated municipal water. Avoid raw street food, especially pani puri, lassi, and cut fruits sold near Park Street and New Market. Eat only freshly cooked hot food. Peel all fruits yourself and wash hands before eating. Carry oral rehydration salts at all times. If you experience watery diarrhea, start ORS immediately and seek medical care at Kolkatas ID Hospital or nearest government facility. Do not wait. If staying more than two weeks, consider the oral cholera vaccine available at Apollo Hospitals or Belle Vue Clinic. It provides protection for two years. Report contaminated water sources to KMC ward offices or call their helpline. Community reporting helps authorities respond faster during outbreak seasons from May through September.