Cholera

Cholera is a bacterial infection that causes diarrhea. The cholera bacterium is usually found in water or food contaminated by feces (poop). Cholera is rare in the US. You may get it if you travel to parts of the world with inadequate water treatment and poor sanitation, and lack of sewage treatment. Outbreaks can also happen after disasters. The disease is not likely to spread directly from one person to another.

Often the infection is mild or without symptoms, but sometimes it can be severe. Severe symptoms include profuse watery diarrhea, vomiting, and leg cramps. In severe cases, rapid loss of body fluids leads to dehydration and shock. Without treatment, death can occur within hours.

Doctors diagnose cholera with a stool sample or rectal swab. Treatment includes replacing fluid and salts and sometimes antibiotics.

Anyone who thinks they may have cholera should seek medical attention immediately. Dehydration can be rapid so fluid replacement is essential. (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)

YOU MAY ALSO LIKE

Cholelith

Solid material that forms in the gallbladder or common bile duct. Choleliths are made of cholesterol or other substances found in the…

Choledochal Cyst

Cystic dilatation of the hepatic duct or bile duct.

Cholecystokinin Measurement

The determination of the amount of cholecystokinin hormone present in a sample.

Cholecystokinin B Receptor Antagonist YF476

An orally active, benzodiazepine type, selective cholecystokinin B receptor (CCKBR; CCK2R; gastrin receptor) antagonist with potential gastric acid reducing and antiproliferative…

Cholecystitis with Cholelithiasis

An acute or chronic inflammation of the gallbladder associated with the presence of gallstones.

Cholecystitis

An acute or chronic inflammation involving the gallbladder wall. It may be associated with the presence of gallstones.