It is one of the many causes of gastrointestinal illness that is rare in the United States, but common in other parts of the world. A few cases have occurred in the United States among persons who traveled to South America or ate contaminated food brought back by travelers.
Cholera is acquired by drinking water or eating food contaminated with the cholera bacterium.
The disease can spread rapidly in areas with inadequate treatment of sewage and drinking water. Although rare, cholera is occurring more frequently. Each year several hundred U.S. travelers get cholera. Most cases have been acquired in Latin America. A few came from Asia and Africa.