Cholera (Vibrio cholerae) Rebecca Tiernan Baker College Owosso What is Cholera? Cholera is an illness caused by the bacteria Vibrio cholerae. It can be found in warm salty waters such as coastal areas or estuaries (CDC, 2016). Individuals contract cholera by ingesting liquids or foods contaminated with the bacteria such as raw or undercooked shellfish (CDC, 2016). Toxins from the bacteria cause the cells that line the intestine to release increased amounts of water, leading to severe diarrhea and dehydration. Vomiting can also be present. Symptoms can quickly progress to death of the individual is not immediately treated. It is unclear when cholera first originated, however, the first documented outbreak occurred in India in 1543 and killed victims within 8 hours of the development of symptoms (History, 2017). Today, 1.3 billion people are at risk for cholera in 69 countries worldwide (NCBI, 2018). Current Treatments for Cholera Rehydration therapy Antibiotic treatment Zinc treatment (CDC, 2016) Containment of Cholera Containment of cholera is based on prevention and control. Monitoring surveillance data and providing necessary interventions and vaccinations when there is an outbreak (WHO, 2018). Ways of preventing outbreaks include: Vaccinate (cholera vaccine is now available) Drink only boiled water or water chlorinated with tablets, or 8 drops of bleach for every gallon of water Wash hands often with safe water Using bathrooms, outhouses, or burying feces and not defecating into bodies of water. Cook food thoroughly and eat hot Peel all fruits and vegetables before eating. Clean cooking areas thoroughly Bathe at least 30 meters from any drinking water source. International Impact of Cholera Cholera has had an adverse impact on many developing countries. Families may face hardships due to mounting medical bills from cholera treatments and hospitalizations. There may be economic losses from lost productivity. Cholera outbreaks may also have a negative impact on tourism and subsequent loss of livelihoods throughout the area. The economic losses from cholera can be compounded by international impressions and reactions which may cause drops in food exports as well as tourism (Levin Institute, 2016). International Health Organization Involvement Various health organizations are involved in the surveillance, control and containment of cholera. Together they are helping to save lives through education, vaccination, and prevention. Some of these organizations include: The Centers for Disease Control The World Health Organization The Pan American Health Organization Ministries of Health P Conditions Leading to Outbreaks Absence or shortage of safe water Lack of proper sanitation Poor waste management Overcrowding/Severe Poverty Deplorable living conditions such as refugee camps, and peri-urban slums. (WHO, 2018) CDC. (2016). Cholera prevention and control. Retrieved from http://www.cdc.gov History. (2017). Cholera. Retrieved from http://www.history.com/topics/history-of-cholera Globalization101. (2016). Cholera. Retrieved from http://www.globalization101.org NCBI. (2018). Updated global burden of cholera in endemic countries. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles WHO. (2018). Cholera. Retrieved from http://www.who.int/mediacenter/factsheets