Cholera produces an intestinal toxin
that triggers an outpouring of watery fluid from the walls of the intestine.
Cholera symptoms
Symptoms of cholera are severe
diarrhea and vomiting, with massive loss of body fluids, muscle cramps, and
shock caused by dehydration.
How is Cholera Transmitted?
Cholera is transmitted by water,
milk, or other foods, especially shellfish that have been contaminated by the
feces of infected persons.
Cholera is mainly an epidemic
tropical disease in Asia and Africa.
How is cholera treated?
The cholera patient requires
replacement of fluids by drinking or by intravenous injection to counteract the
dehydration.
Antibiotic drugs are also
prescribed.
During the recovery period, glucose
and potassium tablets may be given.
When proper
treatment is available, it is usually effective and the patient recovers
completely within two weeks.
Even when treated, the death rate in adults is
about 5 percent and in children 10 percent.
How can cholera be prevented?
People in epidemic areas are advised
to avoid unsterilized water, fresh fruit, and shellfish.
Cholera vaccinations provide some
protection for at least three months.
These vaccinations consist of two
injections given one to four weeks apart.
