What is Cholera?
Cholera is an infection of the small intestine caused by the bacterium Vibrio
cholerae. It occurs in epidemics when conditions of poor sanitation, crowding,
war, and famine are present.
Cholera is a serious condition. A severe case of cholera can lead to death
without immediate treatment.
Cholera is also called V. cholerae and Vibrio.
What Causes Cholera?
The most common cause of cholera is by someone eating food or drinking water
that has been contaminated with the bacteria.
After a disaster, this is a very real danger, since regular, clean water and
food supplies are often unavailable. The disease can be spread even further by
infected people using already dirty water sources to clean themselves or
dispose of waste.
Symptoms of Cholera?
There are many symptoms of cholera. Symptoms can vary from mild to severe. The
most common symptoms of cholera are:
sudden onset of watery diarrhea, up to 1 liter (quart) per hour
diarrhea has a "rice water" appearance, where the stool looks like water with
flecks of rice in it
diarrhea has a "fishy" odor
dehydration
rapid heart rate
dry skin
dry mucus membranes or dry mouth
excessive thirst
"glassy" eyes or sunken eyes
unusual sleepiness or tiredness
low urine output
abdominal cramps
nausea
vomiting
Can Cholera be Prevented?
Yes. There are two vaccines that provide short-term, limited protection against
the cholera bacteria. However, the vaccines are not currently available in the
United States .
If you do not have access to the vaccines and you are traveling outside of the
United States , take precautions with food and drinking water.
Some common precautions are:
Drink only water that you have boiled or treated with chlorine or iodine.
Eat only food that's been thoroughly cooked and is still hot, or fruit that
you've peeled yourself.
Avoid undercooked or raw fish and shellfish.
Avoid raw salads and vegetables.
Avoid food and drinks from street vendors
Can Cholera be Treated?
Yes. It is very important to visit a doctor so cholera can be treated
immediately.
