Introduction

• Cholera is an acute, diarrheal illness caused by infection of the

intestine with the bacterium Vibrio cholerae. An estimated 3-5

million cases and over 100,000 deaths occur each year around

the world. The infection is often mild or without symptoms,

but can sometimes be severe. Approximately one in 10 (5-

10%) infected persons will have severe disease characterized

by profuse watery diarrhea, vomiting, and leg cramps. In these

people, Without treatment, death can occur within hours.

History of Cholera

• Every year 3-5 million people around the world are infected with cholera and

100,000- 120,000 people die from the infectious disease,

• 1) The word cholera is from Greek: "bile". Cholera likely has its origins in the

Indian subcontinent;

• 2) The disease first spread by trade routes (land and sea) to Russia in 1817,

then, through technological advancements, to the rest of Europe, and from Europe to

North America and the rest of the world.

• 3) Seven Cholera pandemics have occurred in the past 200 years.

• 4) Since that time, untold millions have contracted and died from this

preventable infectious disease.

Cholera Cause

• 1)Municipal water supplies

• 2)Ice made from municipal water

• 3)Foods and drinks sold by street vendors

• 4)Vegetables grown with water containing human wastes

• 5)Raw or undercooked fish and seafood caught in waters

polluted with sewage

Cholera Sign & SymptomsSymptoms of cholera can begin as soon as a few hours or as long as five days after infection. Often, symptoms are mild. But sometimes they are very serious.

• 1) Rapid heart rate• 2) Loss of skin elasticity (the ability to return to original position quickly if

pinched)• 3) Dry mucous membranes, including the inside of the mouth, throat,

nose, and eyelids• 4) Low blood pressure• 5) Thirst• 6) Muscle cramps

• If not treated, dehydration can lead to shock and death in a matter of hours.

Cholera Treatment & Prevention Although there is a vaccine against cholera, the CDC and World Health Organization don't normally recommend it, because it may not protect up to half of the people who receive it and it lasts only a few months. However, you can protect yourself and your family by using only water that has been boiled, water that has been chemically disinfected, or bottled water. Be sure to use the bottled, boiled, or chemically disinfected water for the following purposes:

1)Drinking2)Preparing food or drinks3)Brushing your teeth4)Washing your face and hands5)Washing dishes and utensils that you use to eat or prepare food6)Washing fruits and vegetables

Cholera Treatment & PreventionTo disinfect your own water, boil it for one minute (or 3 minutes at higher elevations) or filter it and use a commercial chemical disinfectant. You should also avoid raw foods, including the following:

• 1)Unpeeled fruits and vegetables.

• 2)Unpasteurized milk and milk products.

• 3)Raw or undercooked meat or shellfish.

• 4)Fish caught in tropical reefs, which may be contaminated.