Cholera can make you very ill and can even result in death – children and older people are especially vulnerable.

Cholera is a bacteria that spreads through contaminated water.

Symptoms include:

• Severe diarrhoea
• Muscle cramps
• Vomiting
• Fever

Cholera can be prevented by:

• Washing your hands regularly
• Cooking and cleaning food properly
• Cleaning surfaces properly
• Bathing and washing clothes 30 metres away from drinking water sources

The simplest and most cost-effective method of preventing cholera is chlorination of water in the storage container using household bleach.

Add one teaspoon (5 ml, or one capful if bottle has a screw cap) of household bleach to 20-25 litres of water. Thoroughly mix solution with the water and allow to stand for at least two hours (preferably overnight) before use.

Alternatively, boil drinking water for at least 3 minutes and keep it in a clean, sealed container.