Cholera, which infects the small intestine, is caused by bacteria called Vibrio cholerae. Without immediate treatment, a severe case can be fatal. One of the causes of cholera is eating contaminated food or drinking contaminated water. Outbreaks of cholera often occur after a catastrophe because it is hard to find clean water and uncontaminated food. This disease can become even worse if infected people use dirty water to clean themselves. Cholera outbreaks occur when food and water are in contact with fecally contaminated water. For example, consuming fish caught from tropical waters in areas contaminated by sewage are possible sources of cholera bacteria.
Symptoms of cholera are
- diarrhea
- vomiting
- leg cramps
- the face, hands, and feet turning a bluish- black color
Symptoms can be mild, severe, or nonexistent.
The worst outbreak of cholera in the world occurred during the 1800s. Cholera has been a problem since ancient times in India
Candidates at risk for contracting cholera are mainly travelers. The disease is also contracted by eating raw or uncooked meats including seafood from sewage-contaminated waters. The germ is spread through an infected person not washing his hands or not wearing gloves while serving food to others. It occurs in places with poor sanitation, large crowds, war, or famine.
Physicians of the 1800s used the tomato as a remedy for indigestion, diarrhea, liver disease and as a cholera prevention.
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Cholera: Description
