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CHOLERA

Cholera is caused by bacteria (Vibrio cholera) and is transmitted by contaminated water or food. The disease causes a sudden onset of extremely profuse, watery diarrhoea one or two days after contact with the bacterium The diarrhoea is completely painless but large amounts of fluid can be lost in a short time e.g. one litre every few hours. This leads to rapid dehydration if the lost electrolytes and fluids are not replaced. With proper treatment the disease will last around 2 days and the person will recover completely. Cholera is common in less developed countries and epidemics frequently occur. It affects mainly malnourished people, especially children. Cholera may be severe and in areas where there are no medical facilities 60 % of infected children may die.

Cholera is rare in tourists and vaccination is rarely advised. The current injectable vaccine is considered ineffective and standard hygiene precautions are far more effective than vaccination.

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