Why are we seeing outbreaks of cholera -- a treatable and preventable disease -- in our modern world?

Answer 1

Cholera isn't something that can be totally eradicated (although that would be nice, no?). Because the world is so heavily connected these days and everything seems to come from either one source or many areas are affected by one particular incident (like a natural disaster), it's easier for pathogens to be spread.

Example: in the US there are only a few main food producers/distributors. Once something (like food) gets exposed to a pathogen, it can be spread to other food products, then these food products can be distributed throughout large areas of the whole country. That's why when you hear of outbreaks like E. Coli or other food-borne illnesses happening, they aren't always contained to one spot in the US. Instead you see small outbreaks in various states.

Another example: the 2010 Cholera outbreak in Haiti. I encourage you to explore this topic on your own and looking into the various aspects of the case-studies done on this event. Good luck learning! :)

https://www.cdc.gov/cholera/haiti/2010-outbreak-response.html