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 causes and risks of the infection?
Cholera is caused by eating or drinking contaminated
food or water that contains Vibrio cholerae
bacteria.
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