Cholera risk in Rajshahi

CHOLERA PREVENTION GUIDE FOR RAJSHAHI RESIDENTS

Cholera is a bacterial infection spread through contaminated water and food that causes severe diarrhea and dehydration. It can be deadly without treatment, but it is preventable.

YOUR RISK SCORE: 58/100 — MODERATE TO HIGH CONCERN

WHY RAJSHAHI IS VULNERABLE

Rajshahi faces several specific risk factors. The city experiences seasonal flooding during monsoon months that mixes sewage with drinking water sources. Many residents rely on shallow tubewells that can become contaminated when water tables shift. The Padma River and its tributaries face pollution from urban waste. Crowded market areas and street food vendors sometimes operate without proper hygiene oversight. Open drainage systems can overflow into residential areas during heavy rainfall, especially in low-lying neighborhoods near the river basin.

5 STEPS TO PROTECT YOURSELF AND YOUR FAMILY

1. BOIL YOUR WATER. Bring drinking water to a rolling boil for at least one minute. Store it in clean, covered containers. This single step eliminates most cholera bacteria. If boiling is not possible, use chlorine tablets or approved water purification methods.

2. WASH HANDS WITH SOAP. Scrub hands thoroughly before eating, before preparing food, and after using the toilet. This breaks the transmission chain. Keep soap near your cooking and eating areas.

3. AVOID RAW AND UNCOOKED FOOD. Skip raw vegetables washed in tap water. Avoid ice from street vendors. Eat food that is freshly cooked and still hot. Peel fruits yourself.

4. KEEP YOUR SURROUNDINGS CLEAN. Dispose of waste properly. Do not let water collect near your home, as it attracts contamination and mosquitoes. Keep latrines and sewage areas away from water sources.

5. SEEK CARE EARLY. If you develop watery diarrhea, start oral rehydration solution immediately. Mix one liter of clean water with six teaspoons of sugar and half a teaspoon of salt. Go to Rajshahi Medical College Hospital or the nearest health facility without delay. Early treatment saves lives.