Final answer:
The oral rehydration therapy with salt, sugar, and water treats cholera by replenishing lost electrolytes and glucose, preventing severe dehydration caused by the disease. It is essential for reducing the high mortality rate of cholera when timely administered. Preventative strategies against cholera include improving water sanitation and hygiene education.
Step-by-step explanation:
The oral suspension of salt, sugar, and water is used instead of pure water to treat cholera infections because it helps to replenish lost electrolytes and glucose which are critical for bodily functions. The sugar and salt help absorb water in the intestines, combating the severe dehydration and electrolyte imbalance caused by diarrhoea, a symptom of cholera. This symptom is a result of the cholera toxin produced by Vibrio cholerae, which leads to increased water and electrolytes in the intestines being excreted. Oral rehydration therapy is essential in treating cholera as it quickly restores the lost fluids and minerals, drastically reducing the mortality rate of the infection.
To prevent the spread of cholera, especially in areas hit by natural disasters where water sanitation is compromised, strategies include improving water quality, purifying drinking water, practicing personal hygiene, and implementing public health education. Understanding how Vibrio cholerae spreads and preventing water contamination through water engineering and management are crucial for long-term prevention of cholera outbreaks.