1. 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
History. (2017). Cholera. Retrieved from
Globalization101. (2016). Cholera. Retrieved from
NCBI. (2018). Updated global burden of cholera in endemic countries. Retrieved from
WHO. (2018). Cholera. Retrieved from