Ill. As it turned out, more than a million residents of Acapulco were in danger of cholera, tyhphoid, hepatitis and other waterborne diseases. The pathogens responsible for these diseases are known as Vibrio chlorea, Salmonella typhi and hepatits A virus. They are all found in sewage wastes and may be transmitted by the fecal-oral route. Vibrio Most of the bacteria in the genus Vibrio are not harmful to man and are, in fact, thought to be the most common organisms in the world's surface waters. V cholerae , however, are pathogens of humans, capable of producing an enterotoxin.
Treatment involves rapid intravenous fluid and electrolyte replacement.
Without treatment, approximately 50 percent of those infected die. In fact, all serotypes are harmful to humans. S. typhi also produces a toxin that causes fever, nausea and diarrhea and may be fatal if not properly treated. Treatment includes fluid and electrolyte replacement and possibly antibiotic therapy. Acuteviral hepatitis may result in mild gatrointestinal disease, but is characterized primarily by inflammation and necrosis of the liver and jaundice.