Cholera is an acute, diarrheal illness caused by infection of the intestine with the bacterium Vibrio cholerae. The infection is often mild or without symptoms, but sometimes it can be severe.

Cholera has been very rare in industrialized nations for the last 100 years; however, the disease is still common today in other parts of the world, including the Indian subcontinent and sub-Saharan Africa.

Although cholera can be life-threatening, it is easily prevented and treated. In the United States, because of advanced water and sanitation systems, cholera is not a major threat; however, everyone, especially travelers, should be aware of how the disease is transmitted and what can be done to prevent it.

The infection is often mild or without symptoms, but sometimes can be severe.

How does a person get cholera?

A person may get cholera by drinking water or eating food contaminated with the cholera bacterium. In an epidemic, the source of the contamination is usually the feces (stool) of an infected person. The disease can spread rapidly in areas with inadequate treatment of sewage and drinking water.

The cholera bacterium may also live in the environment in brackish rivers and coastal waters. Shellfish eaten raw have been a source of cholera, and a few persons in the United States have contracted cholera after eating raw or undercooked shellfish from the Gulf of Mexico. 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

Vibrio Cholerae as the Cause of Cholera

There are two general types of Vibrio cholerae:

• Vibrio cholerae Serogroup O1

• Vibrio cholerae Serogroup non-O1.

The disease is spread by flies and water contaminated by the germs.

Cause of Cholera and Transmission

Cholera is usually transmitted by eating food or drinking water that is contaminated with Vibrio cholerae.

There are two ways that Vibrio cholerae usually gets into water or food:

• Contaminated feces

• Naturally.

Cholera 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.

Other Causes :

Contaminated water supplies are the main source of cholera infection, although raw shellfish, uncooked fruits and vegetables, and other foods also can harbor cholera bacteria.

The bacterium that causes cholera, Vibrio cholerae, has two distinct life cycles — one in the environment and one in humans.

Surface or well water. Cholera bacteria can lie dormant in water for long periods, and contaminated public wells are frequent sources of large-scale cholera outbreaks.

Raw fruits and vegetables. Raw, unpeeled fruits and vegetables are a frequent source of cholera infection in areas where cholera is endemic.

Seafood. Eating raw or undercooked seafood, especially shellfish, that originate from certain locations can expose you to cholera bacteria. Most cases of cholera occurring in the United States since the 1970s have been traced to oysters and crab from the Gulf of Mexico and to seafood transported or smuggled from countries where cholera is endemic.

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com – Cholera – It’s Causes