Cholera is an acute, diarrheal illness caused by an infection with the bacterium
Vibrio cholerae, in the intestines. The infection is often mild or without symptoms, but sometimes it can be severe. Although cholera can be life-threatening, it is easily prevented and treated.
In the United States, because of advanced water and sanitation systems, cholera is not a major threat. However, everyone, especially travelers, should be aware of how cholera is transmitted and what can be done to prevent it.
Cholera and Vibrio Cholerae
Vibrio cholerae is the type of bacteria that causes cholera. There are two general types of
Vibrio cholerae:
- Vibrio cholerae Serogroup O1
- Vibrio cholerae Serogroup non-O1.
Vibrio cholerae Serogroup O1 is the type of
Vibrio cholerae that most often causes cholera.
Vibrio cholerae Serogroup O139, a
Vibrio cholerae Serogroup non-O1 bacterium, is the other
cause of cholera.
Cholera is usually spread by eating food or drinking water that is contaminated with Vibrio cholerae.
There are two ways that Vibrio cholerae usually gets in water or food:
- Contaminated feces
- Naturally.
Cholera is not likely to spread directly from one person to another; therefore, casual contact with an infected person is not a risk for becoming ill.
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