Overview
Cholera is an infectious disease that bring out severe watery diarrhea, which can proceed to dehydration and even death if not treated on time. It is caused by food or drinking water contaminated with bacteria called Vibrio cholerae.
In the 1800s, modern water and sewage treatment systems eliminated their spread from contaminated water, before cholera was prevalent in the 1800s. About 10 cases of cholera occur every year in the US and half of these are acquired abroad. Rarely, contaminated seafood has led to cholera outbreaks in the US. However, cholera outbreaks are still a serious problem in various parts globally. At least 150,000 cases occur every year at the World Health Organization.
The disease is most common in places with poor sanitation, congestion, war and famine. Common locations include parts of South Asia, Africa and Latin America. If you are traveling in one of those areas, knowing the following cholera facts can protect you and your family.
Cause of cholera
Vibrio cholerae, the bacterium that causes cholera, is usually found in food or water contaminated by feces by a person with an infection. Common sources include:
- Municipal Corporation supplies water
- Ice made from municipal water
- Food and beverages sold by street vendors
- Vegetables grown with human waste water
- Raw or under-cooked fish and seafood caught in polluted water with sewage
When a person consumes contaminated food or water, the bacteria release a toxin in the intestines that causes severe diarrhea. It is unlikely that you will catch cholera from accidental contact with an infected person.
Symptoms of cholera
Symptoms of cholera may begin within hours or five days after infection. Often, the symptoms are mild. But sometimes they are very serious. One in 20 people infected have severe watery diarrhea with vomiting, which can lead to rapid dehydration. Although many infected people may have minimal or no symptoms, they may still contribute to the spread of the infection.
Signs and symptoms of dehydration include:
- Fast heart rate
- Loss of elasticity of skin (ability to return to original position if pinched)
- Dry mucous membranes including inside the mouth, nose, throat, and eyelids.
- Low blood pressure
- Thirst
- muscle cramps
If left untreated, dehydration can cause shock and death within a few hours.