Cholera -- The Disease

• Cholera

Cholera, an acute illness characterized by diarrhea, is caused by an infection in the intestines. This eMedTV resource provides an overview of the causes, transmission, and prevention of cholera. This page also links to other resources about cholera.

• Cause of Cholera

As this eMedTV segment explains, the cause of cholera is drinking water or eating food that is contaminated with Vibrio cholerae bacteria. This article talks about the two types of this bacteria: Serogroup O1 and Serogroup non-O1.

• Vibrio Cholerae

Vibrio cholerae is the bacterium that causes cholera. As this eMedTV article explains, Vibrio cholerae is usually transmitted by eating or drinking contaminated food or water. This Web page offers an in-depth look at Vibrio cholerae.

• How Is Cholera Spread?

How is cholera spread? As this eMedTV page explains, cholera transmission occurs through food or water that is contaminated with Vibrio cholerae bacteria. This page also explains how cholera is unlikely to be spread through person-to-person contact.

• Cholera Symptoms

Possible symptoms of cholera include watery diarrhea, vomiting, and muscle cramps. This eMedTV segment describes the signs and symptoms of this illness, as well as symptoms that can occur as a result of fluid loss, such as severe dehydration.

• Cholera Diagnosis

As this eMedTV article explains, making a cholera diagnosis involves taking the patient's medical history, performing a physical exam, and taking a stool sample. This Web page describes the process of diagnosing cholera.

• Treatments for Cholera

The main treatments for cholera are antibiotics and oral or intravenous fluid replacement. As this part of the eMedTV archives explains, the mortality rate is reduced to less than one percent when timely and adequate treatment is given.

• Cure for Cholera

With early and adequate treatment, a cure for cholera is possible in greater than 99 percent of cases. This eMedTV page explains that the cure for cholera typically includes antibiotics and oral or intravenous fluid replacement.

• Prevention of Cholera

Prevention of cholera involves avoiding contaminated food and water. This part of the eMedTV library gives specific instructions on how to reduce your risk of cholera, especially if you are in a location where cholera is common.

• Cholera Vaccine

As this eMedTV article explains, there is no cholera vaccine available in the United States, but there are two vaccines that are used in other countries. This page explains why the vaccine is generally not recommended for travelers.

• Cholera Epidemic

The cholera epidemic is linked to poverty, poor sanitation, and large populations. This eMedTV page discusses the locations of the cholera epidemic, challenges of the cholera epidemic, and what needs to be improved before it can be stopped.