Cholera
Disease & Cause
- Cholera is caused by a bacteria called Vibrio Cholerae
- Bacteria lives in small intestines
- People become infected by swallowing fruit, water, and some shellfish
Transmission
When water, fruit peels, or shellfish are swallowed the bacteria gets into the small intestine where it lives and grows.
Epidemics occur when someone infected transmits the disease into a water way where many people drink or use the water and it then spreads.
Contaminated Water after Earthquake
Vibrio Cholerae
Contaminated Water
Symptoms
1-5 days
- dizziness
- nausea
- anxiousness
- watery diarrhea
- vomiting
- dry/withered skin
- cramps
Prevention
Incidences & Treatment
Current Events & Prognosis
There have been no epidemics since the 1800's but there have been 7 pandemics and multiple outbreaks in the past 100 years. The most recent outbreaks have occurred in Haiti after the 2010 earthquake. The Haitian and Dominican Republic governments have been working to eliminate cholera in the area. Other small outbreaks have happened in the Middle East and Mediterranean region.
Bibliography
"Cholera." Tish Davidson, Rebecca J. Frey, and Tish Davidson. Gale Health Collection. Online Edition. Detroit: Gale, 2010.
Renee, M. Haiti Sees Spike In Cholera Cases 4 Years After Outbreak Began. Morning Edition (NPR). June 2, 2015.
Peter, G. Cholera Surges In Haiti As Rain Arrives Early. All Things Considered (NPR). May 28, 2015.
"Teen Health and Wellness." Teen Health and Wellness. Web. 02 Feb. 2016.
"General Information." Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 06 Nov. 2014. Web. 08 Feb. 2016.