Cholera spread advice

Cholera spread advice 

Cholera is a contagious disease caused by a bacterium that affects the small intestine.  In severely affected it may cause very severe diarrhea. Cholera is dangerous because vast amounts of fluid may be lost very rapidly as absorption of  water by the small intestine is affected.


Cholera is not a tropical disease as some people assume. Where standards of hygiene are poor and drinking water is of poor quality, cholera may spread quite rapidly. Improving sanitary conditions and providing clean drinking water are the best ways to curtail the spread of the disease.




When faecal matter comes into contact with drinking water, bacteria in the faeces 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 contact with another infected person through their faeces or vomit can happen, but is fairly rare. Stomach acid can contain small quantities of bacteria usually.

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. 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.