Alappuzha : A 48-year-old man from Edathua in Alappuzha district, who was suspected of having cholera, passed away during treatment at a private hospital in Thiruvalla at around 1:30 AM on Friday. The deceased was identified as PG Raghu. Reports indicate that Raghu had other health issues as well.

Earlier blood tests had confirmed the presence of cholera bacteria in Raghu. However, the health department is awaiting the results of a stool test to confirm the diagnosis. Authorities have informed that the test results are expected by Friday.

Currently, the body is kept at the private hospital in Thiruvalla. He is survived by wife Raji and daughter, Shiva Parvathi.

Meanwhile, the health department has intensified preventive measures against cholera and other diarrhoeal diseases. According to medical experts, cholera can turn fatal if not treated properly in the early stages.

The disease is caused by the bacterium Vibrio cholerae. It spreads from an infected person’s faecal matter and through contaminated drinking water or food, especially in unhygienic conditions.

The primary symptoms include passing rice-water-like stool and vomiting. The infected person will become exhausted within a day. Due to dehydration, the functioning of the kidneys can be impaired. Symptoms typically appear within one to five days of exposure to the bacteria. Children and elderly are particularly vulnerable, and the disease can become severe at a fast pace in such groups.