Epidemic Diseases I | Page 2

Cholera

Description

Cholera is an Diarrheal illness caused by an bacterium,Vibrio cholerae, which infects the intestine.

Symptoms

Typically show up 2-3 after infection

Can range from mild to severe

About 10% of those infected will suffer from severe diarrhea, leg cramps, and vomiting

Causes

Places of inadequte hygiene, poor water quality/ sanitation

Treatment

Antibiotics can slightly lessen the severity of the symptoms

proper rehydration of fluids and minerals lost from excessive diarrhea is crucial in treatment, through means of a oral rehydration solution which consists of sugar, salt and water drunk in large quantities