Cholera is a serious disease that is spread by the Vibrio cholerae bacteria. The bacteria usually spreads through water that has been contaminated by an infected person's fecal matter. It can also be spread through raw shellfish and raw fruits and vegetables. Not everyone who is exposed to the bacteria gets sick, but their stool may still contain traces of the bacteria. Even a tiny amount of fecal matter could contain enough of the bacteria to infect someone else.When an individual does get sick with cholera, they'll rapidly lose fluids, which causes uncomfortable, painful, and sometimes life threatening symptoms. A severe case of cholera can lead to death within hours, and even mild or moderate cases can make you dangerously dehydrated. Fortunately, the disease is easy to treat with rehydration solutions and antibiotics. The sooner you receive medical treatment, the sooner your symptoms will clear up. Therefore, it's important to be aware of the signs and symptoms of cholera, so you can seek immediate medical attention if you become infected.
