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Infection Control Guide for Family Members of Patients with Suspect or Confirmed Cholera

  • Drink and use safe water
  • Cook food thoroughly
  • Wash hands with soap and safe water after caring for the patients, and especially after handling fecal matter
  • Remove and wash any bedding or clothing that may have had contact with diarrheal stool, preferably in a washing machine, in warm or hot water. Usual machine detergents are sufficient; bleach is not necessary.
  • Use a flush toilet or approved septic system; double bag soiled materials when discarding in trash.
  • Use any household disinfectant or a 1:10 dilution of bleach solution (1 part bleach to 9 parts water) to clean any area that may have contact with fecal matter, including the patient’s bathroom, bedpan, as soon as possible after being soiled.
  • When possible, use rubber gloves when cleaning any room or surface that may have had contact with the patient’s fecal matter.
  • Patients with cholera should not swim while ill with diarrhea or for 2 weeks after resolution of symptoms.
  • If a household member develops acute, watery diarrhea, administer oral rehydration solution (ORS) and seek healthcare immediately
  • While caring for persons who are ill with cholera, do not serve food or drink to persons who are not household members
  • Visitors can be allowed if the ill person wants company; visitors should also observe hand hygiene recommendations

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