| Cholera is caused by the Vibrio cholerae bacteria. | | | | and in war-torn countries where the infrastructure may |
| Infection occurs through ingestion of food or water | | | | have broken down. |
| contaminated directly or indirectly by faeces or vomit | | | | Many developing countries are affected, particularly |
| of infected persons. | | | | those in Africa. |
| Cholera affects only humans; there is no insect vector | | | | The risk of cholera for travellersis very low for most |
| or animal reservoir host. | | | | travellers, even in countries where cholera epidemics |
| Cholera is an acute enteric intestine disease varying in | | | | occur. Humanitarian relief workers in disaster areas |
| severity. Most infections are asymptomatic. | | | | and refugee camps are at risk. |
| In mild cases, diarrhoea occurs without other | | | | Oral cholera vaccines Treatment for use by travellers |
| symptoms. In severe cases, there is sudden onset of | | | | and those in occupational risk groups are available in |
| profuse watery diarrhoea with nausea and vomiting | | | | some countries. |
| and rapid development of dehydration. | | | | All precautions should be taken to avoid consumption |
| In severe untreated cases, death may occur within a | | | | of potentially contaminated food, drink and drinking |
| few hours due to dehydration leading to circulatory | | | | water. |
| collapse. | | | | Oral rehydration salts should be carried to combat |
| Cholera occurs mainly in poor countries with | | | | dehydration in case of severe diarrhoea. |
| inadequate sanitation and lack of clean drinking water | | | | |