Information on Cholera

• What Is Cholera?

What is cholera? 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 answers the question: "What is cholera?"

• Causes of Cholera

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 for the causes of cholera: naturally or contaminated feces.

• Vibrio Cholerae Bacteria

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.

• Cholera Transmission

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 cholera transmission to occur through casual contact.

• Symptoms of Cholera

Symptoms of cholera can include watery diarrhea, vomiting, and muscle cramps. 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 of cholera.

• Cholera Diagnosis

As this eMedTV article explains, making a cholera diagnosis involves taking the patient's medical history, performing a physical exam, and taking a stool sample. This Web page describes the process of diagnosing cholera.

• Cholera Treatment

Cholera treatment involves fluid replacement and, in some cases, antibiotics. This eMedTV page explains how these treatments work. When administered promptly, these treatments can lower the mortality rate of cholera to less than 1 percent.

• Cholera Cure

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 cholera. This page also talks about how you can prevent cholera.

• Prevention of 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.

• Cholera Vaccine

As this eMedTV article explains, there is no cholera vaccine 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.

• Cholera Epidemic

The cholera epidemic is linked to poverty, poor sanitation, and large populations. This eMedTV page discusses the locations of the cholera epidemic, challenges of the cholera epidemic, and what needs to be improved before it can be stopped.