Unlike the previous six pandemics, all of which originated in India, the seventh and final pandemic began in Indonesia in 1961. From there, it spread across Asia and the Middle East, reaching Africa in 1971. Since that time, over 90% of all cholera cases reported have been from the African continent.
Although cholera may be life-threatening, prevention of the disease is possible with proper water treatment and sanitation practices. This is a challenge for many developing countries, explaining why, today, cholera largely remains a disease of impoverished countries.
- Victoria Puchko