Cholera is a bacterial disease typically spread through contaminated water. Vibrio cholerae, the bacteria that causes cholera, is usually found in food or water contaminated by feces from a person with the infection. Therefore, it is most likely to be found and spread in places with inadequate water treatment, poor sanitation, and inadequate hygiene. It is endemic in more than 50 countries, primarily in Asia, Africa and recently in the Caribbean. An estimated 3-5 million cases and more than 100,000 deaths occur each year around the world.
The most common sources of cholera infection are standing water and certain types of food, including seafood, raw fruits and vegetables, and grains. When humans ingest cholera bacteria, they may not become sick themselves, but they can still pass the bacteria in their stool. Approximately one in 10 (5-10%) infected persons will have severe disease characterized by profuse watery diarrhea, vomiting, and leg cramps. In these people, rapid loss of body fluids leads to dehydration and shock. Without treatment, death can occur within hours.
A oral vaccine to prevent cholera was approved for use in the U.S. in June 2016.
Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
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