Cholera

Cholera is a highly contagious and potentially fatal bacterial infection of the intestines caused by the bacterium Vibrio cholerae. It is spread primarily through contaminated food and water, and can cause severe watery diarrhea, dehydration, vomiting, and abdominal cramps. Cholera can be treated with antibiotics, but the best prevention is to avoid contaminated food and water. Vaccines are available to help prevent the disease, but they are not widely used in the United States. With prompt treatment, the fatality rate of cholera is typically low. Without treatment, however, it can lead to severe dehydration, shock, and death within hours.