Cholera - The Cause Of Cholera, Transmission Of Cholera, Symptoms And Treatment Of Cholera, Prevention
rate fatality measures
Cholera is one of the most devastating of all human diseases. Although endemic in some areas of the world, cholera is usually associated with massive migrations of people, such as those occurring during war or famine. Cholera is also common in developing countries, where suboptimal sanitation practices are responsible for its spread. If not treated, cholera has a fatality rate of over 60%. Death results from dehydration, a consequence of the severe diarrhea and vomiting that characterize this disease. In the last 15 years, treatment strategies have been devised that have cut the fatality rate of cholera to 1%. Preventive measures have also reduced the incidence of cholera outbreaks. These measures, however, require swift intervention, which is not always possible during the social upheavals that can lead to cholera epidemics.
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Cholera is caused by a bacteria called Vibrio cholerae, which secretes a toxin, or poison, that binds to the cells of the small intestine. One of the functions of the small intestine in humans is to regulate the amount of fluid that is absorbed by cells. Normally, small intestine cells absorb most of the fluid that is ingested; only a small amount of fluid is excreted in the feces. Under abnormal …
Cholera is endemic in several areas of the world, including parts of India and Bangladesh. From these areas, cholera has been disseminated throughout the world during several pandemics, or worldwide outbreaks. In the United States, a cholera pandemic that lasted from 1832 to 1849 killed 150,000 people; in 1866, another cholera pandemic killed 50,000 U.S. citizens. The most recent pandemic, which b…
In the United States, sewage treatment and water purification plants are ubiquitous, and consequently, the incidence of cholera is low. Almost all cases of cholera in the U.S. are caused by improperly cooked shellfish. Experts recommend that all shellfish be boiled for 10 minutes; steaming does not kill V. cholerae. Raw shellfish should be avoided. Another way to prevent cholera is to identify and…
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User Comments
over 1 year ago
tabireal
Cholera is gradually gaining ground in Cameroon