Cholera is infection of the small intestine with Vibrio cholerae bacteria. The infection is acquired by eating food or drinking water contaminated by the bacteria.
Outbreaks of the disease occur mainly in regions with poor sanitation, and after upheavals, such as natural disasters, during which clean water becomes unavailable.
Many people infected with the bacteria do not develop symptoms, although they may infect others if their feces contaminate water or food.
If symptoms do develop, they typically start suddenly, with watery diarrhea and often vomiting. The amount of fluid lost through diarrhea and vomiting may be so great that the person becomes severely dehydrated and may even die as a result.
Treatment is with oral rehydration or, in severe cases, with intravenous rehydration.
Antibiotics may also be given to eradicate the infection and shorten the recovery period. With prompt treatment, most people make a full recovery.
A vaccine against cholera is available, but does not give total protection, so scrupulous personal hygiene and food and water hygiene are also needed to minimize the risk of infection.