Cholera

Epidemics

Cholera is an extremely dangerous diarrhoeal disease that can cause death if it is untreated. Cholera is a result of ingesting food or water that has been contaminated by the bacterium Vibrio cholerae. Cholera spread began in the 19th century and is still a great threat to public health as it has not been eradicated. Once the disease has been contracted, symptoms appear begin to appear within 12 hours - 5 days; these symptoms are not always obvious, however they can be mild to moderate and a small group of the infected may have watery diarrhea. The transmission of cholera is closely linked to poor access to clean water and sanitation facilities. Once the disease is contracted, death can occur within hours. Cholera is a treatable disease if discovered early, the majority can be treated using oral rehydration solutions and there are 3 oral vaccines available; these vaccines should only be utilized in areas where cholera is high risk and during cholera outbreaks.