Contact Information Cholera is an intestinal infection caused by Vibrio cholerae , which is thought to have evolved from free living vibrio, infected fish, or polluted waters - scientists are not entirely sure. Since this attack, cholera has reappeared numerous times. Starting in Europe, cholera spread through trade routes, into Moscow, where it took over fifty percent of the population, into Hungary, killing over 100,000 people, and spread worldwide. Humans are susceptible to this disease by drinking or using tainted water, touching soiled materials, or washing foods.
Symptoms usually occur within a few days.
Once in the body, Vibrio cholerae reproduces in the intestine while releasing a strong toxin. The major indication of cholera is dehydration, which leads to other symptoms that include violent vomiting, diarrhea, muscle spasms, shock, circulatory collapse, and then death. Muscle cramps, decreased urine output, low blood pressure, shock and coma has been associated with this disease. Compared to typhus, another infectious disease, cholera does not have as high a death toll, but it kills more quickly and horridly. If untreated, victims usually die in days, but sometimes in just two to three hours due to loss of salts and fluid from excessive diarrhea and vomiting.