Cholera
Cholera Cholera is an acute diarrhoeal infection caused by ingestion of food or water contaminated with the bacterium Vibrio cholerae. There are many serogroups of V. cholerae, but only two – O1 and O139 – cause outbreaks. Mode of Transmission • Through faecally contaminated water, food or drinks • Direct person to-person contact, especially in overcrowded, low sanitation settings, also add to transmission of infection. Signs and Symptoms • Incubation period is from few hours to five days; commonly one-two days • Typical cases are characterized by sudden onset of profuse, efortless, watery diarrhea followed by vomiting, increased thirst, rapid dehydration, muscular cramps and suppression of urine • In non-outbreak situations, Cholera may present as simple gastroenteritis or as watery diarrhea • In an endemic situation, there could be many mild or asymptomatic cases or carriers Complications • Dehydration...