Cholera is a bacterial disease spread through contaminated water. It causes severe diarrhea and dehydration, which if left untreated can be fatal. Cholera was once prevalent in the United States, however modern water treatment systems have eliminated its spread by contaminated water. Cholera outbreaks are still a serious problem in other parts of the world.

Most cases of cholera cause mild or moderate diarrhea, and it is often hard to determine that cholera is the cause. Cholera related diarrhea however, comes on quickly, and will have a pale milky appearance. Others may develop more serious signs and symptoms of cholera – usually within a few days of infection. These symptoms can include, nausea and vomiting, dehydration can develop within hours of the cholera symptoms, it will present as irritability, fatigue, sunken eyes, a dry mouth, extreme thirst, dry and shrivelled skin, that slow to bounce back when pinched, low blood pressure or an irregular heartbeat.

Dehydration can lead to a fast loss of minerals in your blood, that maintain the balance of fluid in your body. This is called electrolyte imbalance. Electrolyte imbalance can cause muscle cramps due to the loss of salts such as sodium, potassium, and chloride.

A low blood volume can invariably lead to shock as the amount of oxygen in your body drops. If untreated, severe hypovolemic shock can cause death in minutes.

Cholera is caused by a bacterium called Vibrio cholerae. The deadly effects of the disease are the result of a toxin the bacteria produces in the small intestine. The bacteria may not cause illness in all those exposed to it, but they still pass the bacteria in their stool, which can in turn infect water and food supplies.

Complication of cholera can include low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) which can cause seizures or unconsciousness. Low potassium levels, which can interfere with heart and nerve function and can be life threatening. Kidney failure occurs when the kidneys lose their filtering ability and excess amount of fluid waste builds up in the body.

A vaccine called Vaxchora is available in the United States for those traveling to areas affected by cholera. Its is a liquid dose taken by mouth at least 10 days before travel. Your chances of contracting the disease can be low if you follow a few precautions when traveling. Wash your hand with soap and water on a frequent basis, especially after using the toilet and before eating. Drink only safe water, including bottled water or canned drinks – make sure you wipe the outside before you open them. Do not add ice to your drinks unless it has been made from bottled water. Eat food that is completely cooked and hot and avoid food from street vendors if possible. Eat only fruits and vegetables than can be peeled yourself, such as bananas, oranges, and avocados. Avoid salads and fruits that cannot be peeled such as grapes or berries.

Treatment for cholera will be required immediately. Rehydration is key to avoid fatalities from cholera. Oral rehydration salts (ORS) are a solution that is available as a powder that can be made with boiled or bottled water and will replace lost fluid and electrolytes. In severe cases patients will be hospitalized and fluids will have to be administered intravenously.