Cholera

 
Cholera is an infection of the intestines caused by bacteria called Vibrio cholerae. This infection results in large amounts of diarrhea.

What is going on in the body?

A person can develop cholera by eating or drinking food or water that has been contaminated by the cholera germ. Cholera occurs in most parts of the world. In the U.S., most cases are seen either in: · travelers from other countries · people who have eaten food imported from another country

In some southern states in the U.S., cholera can be caught by eating raw shellfish. Cholera can cause severe dehydration, which may result in death if the person is not treated.

What are the signs and symptoms of the infection?

Symptoms usually start 1 to 3 days after eating or drinking contaminated food or water. Common symptoms include: · dehydration · muscle cramping\ · painless watery diarrhea, often in very large amounts · vomiting · weakness

What are the causes and risks of the infection?

Cholera is caused by eating or drinking contaminated food or water that contains Vibrio cholerae bacteria.

What can be done to prevent the infection?

Thorough cooking of food can often prevent cholera. Boiling water or treating it with chlorine or iodine is another good way to prevent this infection. Cholera is common in underdeveloped countries that lack clean water supplies. A person who travels to this type of country should use care in the food and water consumed.

Good hygiene, especially when preparing food, can help prevent the spread of infection through foods.

How is the infection diagnosed?

The diagnosis of cholera begins with a complete medical history and physical examination. Sometimes, the doctor can see the bacteria in a stool sample by using a microscope. In other cases, a stool culture is needed. Stool culture involves putting a sample of stool in a special container. This container has a solution in it that allows the Vibrio cholerae bacteria to grow. If the organism grows, it can be identified, and the diagnosis can be made.

What are the long-term effects of the infection?

All the serious effects of cholera are due to the diarrhea related to it. Diarrhea causes the body to shed large amounts of water and salt. A person can develop life-threatening salt imbalances. Severe dehydration can occur. And that can result in low blood pressure and kidney damage.

In severe cases, shock and even death are possible. Death from cholera is very rare in the U.S. It is more common in countries where access to medical care and clean water is limited.

What are the risks to others?

Cholera can be spread from one person to another. This is more likely to occur if the infected person does not have good personal hygiene. A person with diarrhea from an infection should be extra careful about washing his or her hands.

What are the treatments for the infection?

A person who has cholera needs to replace what is lost due to the diarrhea. This includes both fluids and salts, also called electrolytes. Liquid salt solutions can be used if the person is able to drink. Otherwise, fluids and salt can be given through an intravenous line, called an IV. An IV is a thin tube that is inserted through the skin and into a person's vein, usually in the hand or forearm. This is often the only treatment that is needed, as the diarrhea goes away in a few days.

Antibiotics such as doxycycline and ciprofloxacin can be used to treat cholera. Though antibiotics are not needed, they are commonly used in the U.S. to shorten the length of time it takes for symptoms to go away. They also help clear the bacteria from the bowel, which reduces the chance of spreading the disease to others.

What are the side effects of the treatments?

All antibiotics have possible side effects, including allergic reactions and stomach upset.

What happens after treatment for the infection?

In most cholera cases in the U.S., the diarrhea goes away and the person starts to feel better within a few days. If treatment is delayed, dehydration can cause complications. These include: · kidney damage · severe salt imbalances · shock

In these cases, the person is usually treated and monitored in a hospital for a short time.

How is the infection monitored?

Any new or worsening symptoms should be reported to the doctor.

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