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Cholera is basically caused by bacteria - it is a sort of gastroenteritis, and involves severe diarrhea, to the point where it can cause death within an extremely short period of time if appropriate measures are not taken to bring it under control. The bacteria are present in feces, and transmission most commonly occurs when water is contaminated by infected feces. This is why today cholera is most common in societies that have been affected by war or by natural disasters.
Across the world today, modern sanitation has helped to greatly reduce the risk of cholera; however, this does not mean that is impossible for any of us living in big cities to get infected unless war breaks out or an earthquake strikes us. Shellfish, fruits, and vegetables, if they have not been properly cooked and were grown in contaminated water, can transmit the bacteria as well, and are often the cause of cholera in urban areas.
Fortunately, it takes a lot of bacteria to cause cholera in a person, so the chances of contracting the disease are not very high for most of us.
A single sip of contaminated water is unlikely to cause cholera, nor is physical contact with an infected person dangerous.
If however there seems to be an epidemic of cholera where you live, or if you are traveling to a place where there are chances of infection, it is necessary to take some precautions. A vaccine is not available, but you can take several other measures, such as drinking only water that has been boiled and filtered, washing your hands thoroughly before you eat anything, and ensuring that food is thoroughly cooked and that you eat it while it is still hot. If you take these precautions, you can greatly reduce your chances of contracting cholera.
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