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Cholera causes Cholera is an infectious disease caused by a bacteria called Vibrio Cholerae.[1] Transmission occurs through consuming contaminated food or water. It was assumed for a long time that human beings were the major carriers of cholera bacteria, but it is now widely understood that contaminated water can also be a reservoir for cholera bacteria.
When drinking water is contaminated by fecal matter, bacteria from the feces spreads to other people. The bacteria may also spread if people handle food without washing their hands after using the toilet. Cholera also spreads through seafood that comes from contaminated water.
Direct infection from another infected person or through their feces or vomit does happen, but a lot of bacteria needs to be ingested before a person becomes infected and usually that doesn't happen in this way. Stomach acid can contain small quantities of bacteria usually.
Cholera is dangerous because vast amounts of fluid may be lost very rapidly because of severe diarrhea, as absorption of water by the small intestine is affected. Cholera is not just a tropical disease. In any place where hygiene and water are of poor quality, cholera can spread quite rapidly. Improving sanitary conditions and providing clean drinking water are the best ways to curtail the spread of the disease.
In any case, if you believe you might come into contact with someone who has cholera or if you are likely to visit an unsanitary area, try and wash your hands frequently and avoid public toilets where hygiene is not maintained. For people living in developed countries, drinking water is usually safe to drink and sanitation standards are also fairly good which is why cholera outbreaks are not usually heard of.
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