Cholera risk in Manaus

Cholera Prevention Guide for Manaus Cholera is a bacterial infection spread through contaminated water and food. It causes severe diarrhea and dehydration, which can become life-threatening without treatment. In Manaus, the risk is elevated due to several local factors. Local Risk Factors: Manaus sits at the meeting of the Rio Negro and Amazon River, where seasonal flooding pushes sewage into waterways. Informal settlements often lack reliable piped water and sanitation infrastructure. Street vendors and riverside markets may sell food prepared with untreated water. Heavy rains increase runoff contamination, especially in peripheral neighborhoods. Prevention Steps: 1. Treat all drinking water. Boil for at least one minute, use chlorine tablets, or use a verified filter. Do not trust tap water or river water, even if it looks clear. Ice cubes are a common hidden risk. 2. Wash hands with soap and treated water before eating, after using the bathroom, and after contact with floodwater. Carry hand sanitizer as backup when soap is unavailable. 3. Eat only thoroughly cooked food served hot. Avoid raw shellfish, unpeeled fruits, salads from street vendors, and anything that may have been rinsed in untreated water. Stick to peelable fruits like bananas and oranges. 4. Avoid direct contact with floodwater, especially near the river confluence zones. If exposure occurs, wash skin immediately with clean water and soap. Keep open wounds covered. 5. Know the signs. Watery diarrhea, vomiting, and leg cramps require immediate medical attention. Oral rehydration salts are critical. Seek a clinic quickly, especially for children and elderly family members. If flooding is occurring in your area, move stored drinking water to elevated, sealed containers. Report standing water pooling near homes to local health authorities. Prevention is straightforward but requires consistent daily habits.