Cholera - Symptoms & Treatment

Cholera is an infection of the small intestine.It is caused by the bacterium Vibrio cholerae. Cholera is an acute illness characterized by watery diarrhea. The toxin released by the bacteria causes increased secretion of water and chloride ions in the intestine, which can produce massive diarrhea. Death can result from the severe dehydration brought on by the diarrhea. Cholera occurs in epidemics when conditions of poor sanitation, crowding, war, and famine are present.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. Cholera germ is passed in the stools. It is spread by eating or drinking food or water contaminated by the fecal waste of an infected person.

Cholera occurs more often in underdeveloped countries lacking adequate water supplies and proper sewage disposal. Cholera may experience mild to severe diarrhea, vomiting and dehydration. It is often associated with algal blooms (plankton), which are influenced by the temperature of the water. Human beings are also one of the reservoirs of the pathogenic form of Vibrio cholerae. Diarrhoea caused by V. cholerae can be treated adequately by giving a solution of oral rehydration salts. Iimportant preventive measure is to avoid consuming uncooked foods or water in foreign countries where cholera occurs unless they are known to be safe or have been properly treated.

Causes of Cholera

Common causes of Cholera

• Bactera(Vibrio cholerae).
• Contaminated food or water.
• Diarrhea.
• Dehydration.

Symptoms of Cholera

Common Symptoms of Cholera

• Diarrhea.
• Vomiting.
• Fever.
• Rapid pulse.
• Lethargy.
• Sleepiness or tiredness
• Abdominal cramps
• Nausea
• Vomiting.

Treatment of Cholera

Common Treatment of Cholera

• Tetracycline antibiotics( cotrimoxazole, erythromycin, doxycycline, chloramphenicol and furazolidone) may have a role in reducing the duration and severity of cholera. Other antibiotics that have been used include ciprofloxacin and azithromycin.
• Avoid consuming uncooked foods or water.
• Avoid foods and beverages from street vendors.
• Precautions with food and drinking water, even if vaccinated.

	Infectious Disease			Blog
		Actinomycosis Ascariasis Blastomycosis Chancroid Chlamydial Infection Clostridium Difficile Infection Coccidioidomycosis			Treat Herpes Completely Types of Skin Infection Skin Masage Infantile Atopic Dermatitis Homemade Skin Toner