What is cholera?

Answer 1

Cholera is a disease caused by the bacteria Vibrio cholerae. This gram negative bacteria is usually found in brackish water. It is spread through contaminated water, and is thus common in areas where sewage and sanitation are low. The bacteria produces a toxin, the cholera toxin, which causes the symptoms. Severe watery diarrhea (rice water stool- flecks of the intestine), vomiting, cramps, dehydration, all point to cholera. It is the rapid loss of fluids which leads to death in countries where fluid replacement therapy is not available. Diagnosis is done by culturing the organism. Rehydration therapy is the most common treatment, antibiotics can also be given. Prevention includes providing access to clean water. The father of epidemiology, John Snow, identified the Broad Street water pump in London as a major source of cholera during an outbreak. Removing the handle forced the locals to use another pump and thus aided in ending the outbreak. Cholera is considered a pandemic, as it is located worldwide especially in poor countries.

Source:

https://www.cdc.gov/cholera/general/index.html