Cholera is an acute illness characterized by watery diarrhea and rapid fluid loss. This eMedTV Web page discusses the symptoms, transmission, and treatment of this illness and offers links to in-depth articles on specific aspects of this disease.
Vibrio cholerae Serogroup O1 and Vibrio cholerae Serogroup non-O1 are the causes of cholera. This eMedTV page explains these types of Vibrio cholerae and discusses the routes of transmission: naturally or through contaminated feces.
Vibrio cholerae bacteria can survive with or without oxygen and can cause cholera, a diarrheal illness. This eMedTV resource provides an overview of the transmission and types of Vibrio cholerae bacteria.
The most common form of cholera transmission is eating contaminated food or drinking contaminated water. This eMedTV Web page explains how food becomes contaminated and how it is unlikely for transmission to occur through casual contact.
Watery diarrhea, vomiting, and muscle cramps are some of the possible symptoms of cholera. This eMedTV Web page provides a detailed list of cholera symptoms. This page also explains the importance of immediate treatment for those who have symptoms.
As this eMedTV article explains, diagnosing cholera involves taking the patient's medical history, performing a physical exam, and taking a stool sample. This Web page takes a closer look at how the condition is diagnosed.
In general, cholera treatment involves fluid replacement and, in some cases, antibiotics. This eMedTV Web page explains how these methods work. When administered promptly, they can lower the mortality rate of cholera to less than 1 percent.
With early treatment, a cholera cure is possible in more than 99 percent of patients. As this eMedTV Web page explains, fluids (and possibly antibiotics) are the key to treating this disease. This page also talks about how you can prevent 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.
As this eMedTV article explains, there is no vaccine for cholera 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.
Poverty, poor sanitation, and large populations can lead to an epidemic of cholera. This eMedTV page discusses where epidemics are taking place, why they are difficult to overcome, and what needs to be improved before they can be stopped.
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