Where did cholera come from?

During the 19th century, cholera spread across the world from its original reservoir in the Ganges delta in India. Six subsequent pandemics killed millions of people across all continents. The current (seventh) pandemic started in South Asia in 1961, reached Africa in 1971 and the Americas in 1991.

What is cholera in biology?

Cholera, an acute infection of the small intestine caused by the bacterium Vibrio cholerae and characterized by extreme diarrhea with rapid and severe depletion of body fluids and salts.

How does cholera infect the body?

A bacterium called Vibrio cholerae causes cholera infection. The deadly effects of the disease are the result of a toxin the bacteria produces in the small intestine. The toxin causes the body to secrete enormous amounts of water, leading to diarrhea and a rapid loss of fluids and salts (electrolytes).

Why is cholera rare now?

Cholera, caused by the bacterium Vibrio cholerae, is very rare in the U.S. Cholera was common domestically in the 1800s but water-related spread has been eliminated by modern water and sewage treatment systems. Nearly all cholera cases reported in U.S. are acquired during international travel.

What are the chances of catching cholera?

The disease 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. The risk for cholera is very low for people visiting areas with epidemic cholera. When simple precautions are observed, contracting the disease is unlikely.

What are the dangers of cholera?

The dangerous aspect of cholera is the vast loss of fluid that can occur in a short space of time. It’s particularly dangerous in children in developing countries. If untreated, the loss of fluid can be fatal within 24 hours of developing the disease.

Can cholera kill you?

Symptoms of cholera also include fever and vomiting. If left untreated, cholera can be fatal in a matter of hours, according to the Mayo Clinic.

What prevents cholera in the US?

Because it is spread through contaminated food and water, cholera is easily prevented by sticking to safe eating and drinking habits and regularly washing hands. A newly licensed cholera vaccine (Vaxchora, PaxVax Corporation) is available in the United States, and is recommended by CDC