The cholera outbreak grew quickly because it is easy to spread this disease. People who are taking care of sick family members might get cholera if they do not wash their hands well with soap after coming in contact with germs. In addition, flies can spread cholera. If a fly lands on a surface that has cholera bacteria and then lands on food, the person who eats that food might catch this disease. For this reason, people are being told to keep food covered at all times and to eat meals quickly once the food is served on their plates. People are also told not share food with others to reduce the risk of spreading germs.
In rural areas of Malawi, people lack access to safe water. They get water for drinking and cooking from rivers and streams. Other people use that same water for washing clothes, dishes and other items that may have cholera germs. Therefore, if someone drinks this contaminated water, they are likely to get cholera themselves. To avoid this, people are being advised to boil their water, which kills germs, or to use a chemical water treatment called Water Guard, which also kills germs.
