Cholera is a deadly infectious disease caused by the bacterium Vibrio cholerae, spread through contaminated food and water or human-to-human contact. It is prevalent in developing countries due to poor sanitation and lack of resources. Treatment involves rehydration and antibiotics. Travelers should take precautions to prevent infection.
Cholera is a serious infectious disease caused by the bacterium Vibrio cholerae, which affects the intestinal system of the body. An infected person experiences severe vomiting, explosive diarrhea, and severe dehydration. Without immediate medical attention, this disease can lead to death within 12 to 12 hours of the onset of symptoms. Due to a great loss of bodily fluids, the disease is gruesome in the way it leaves survivors in their physical appearance, as well as the biological toll it takes on the body.
The bacteria that cause cholera are very contagious. It is spread through unintentional consumption of infected feces that contaminate food and water, and can also be spread through human-to-human contact. Some people have also become infected by eating raw or undercooked shellfish.
The disease is easily treated with fluids and antibiotics. When antibiotics are unavailable, as is commonly the case in disease-ridden areas, a simple mixture of water and glucose for rehydration saves lives. It usually clears up on its own after a period of time; the danger is severe dehydration which rapidly results in death.
Similar to the bubonic plague which has shown its face many times, cholera is suspected to be an ancient disease. It has undoubtedly recurred in seven pandemics since 1817, including in Europe and the United States. The most recent pandemic started in Asia in 1961 and continues to the present day in Africa.
In developing countries, cholera is prevalent in areas that lack sanitary living conditions due to poverty and lack of resources. In pandemic regions, even sanitary conditions may not prevent further outbreaks. Many people don’t get information about how the disease spreads, are afraid to seek medical help, or simply don’t have access to any kind of treatment.
Cholera is not common in developed countries due to the availability of medical care, regulated sanitation standards, clean water, and effective sewage systems. Cases in developed countries are often the result of undercooked shellfish or people who contracted the disease while traveling. Those traveling to countries that have epidemics should take careful precautions to prevent infection.
Precautions for travelers include boiling water before drinking or washing, or treating it with chlorine or iodine. It is essential to wash your hands frequently with clean water, especially after using the toilet. Travelers are also advised to ensure food is fully cooked and hot by peeling their own fruit and avoiding raw vegetables, including salads. Also avoid raw and undercooked shellfish.
Cholera is a disease that causes social stigmas and stereotypes in epidemic areas. Tribal peoples who commonly suffer from it fear social outcast status more than the disease itself. Throughout history, communities that have had outbreaks are marked as sick and dirty even after they are no longer at risk of spreading the bacteria.
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