Hospitals implement a multi-layered strategy to prevent cholera transmission within their walls, primarily based on infection prevention and control (IPC) protocols. The cornerstone is the immediate isolation of suspected and confirmed cholera patients in dedicated wards or units. This is supported by strict hand hygiene for all staff and visitors, the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) like gloves and gowns, and the thorough and frequent disinfection of all surfaces, bedding, and equipment with chlorine solutions. A key feature in outbreak settings is the use of chlorine-footbaths at the entrances to isolation zones to decontaminate footwear.
During active outbreaks, these policies are extremely effective and non-negotiable. When consistently applied, they successfully break the chain of transmission within the healthcare setting, preventing the hospital from becoming an amplifier of the outbreak. However, their effectiveness is entirely dependent on strict adherence and adequate supplies. If protocols are lax or resources (like soap, chlorine, or PPE) run out, the risk of nosocomial (hospital-acquired) infection rises dramatically, endangering staff, other patients, and the broader community.