Cholera
Cholera is a diarrhoeal disease caused by the bacterium Vibrio cholerae. In most cases, a cholera infection of the intestines will only lead to mild diarrhoea or produce no symptoms at all, but in 5-10% of the cases the infected person will develop severe cholera which can be fatal. Severe cholera can appear as soon as 6 hours after exposure to Vibrio cholerae but it can also take up to 5 days.
Severe cholera is dangerous since it will make the body loose fluids so rapidly that it is hard to replace them, which leads to serious dehydration. Severe cholera can be deadly in a few hours and should always prompt immediate medical attention.
You can become infected with Vibrio cholerae by ingesting contaminated water or food. The bacteria are present in the faeces of an infected person and can easily spread to water and food when hygiene is poor. Vibrio cholerae is also present in many brackish rivers and coastal waters.
There is an oral cholera vaccine that provides good protection for up to 3 years. It is however important keep in mind that the vaccine does not offer 100% protection and that it ideally should be use it as a complement to proper hygiene and food precautions, not instead of.
