cholera

A bacterial disease causing profuse watery diarrhea, due to Vibrio cholerae. It is endemic in many parts of the East and epidemics occur elsewhere. A water-born infection, cholera was the subject of a classic epidemiological study by John Snow in 1854. Abdominal pain and diarrhea, which rapidly becomes severe and watery, are main features, with rapidly developing dehydration and shock. Without rapid and adequate fluid replacement, death ensues quickly; antibiotics may shorten the diarrheal phase. Cholera is a disease due to a specific toxin; a similar but milder disease occurs due to the El Tor Vibrio. Vaccination gives limited protection for six months.

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• HEALTH AND DISEASE

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