Cholera

Cholera is an infection of the small intestine that causes diarrhea. It is caused by //Vibrio cholerae// which is a bacterium. The bacteria releases a toxin that causes the intestines to release more water than necessary. People can be infected by eating or drinking contaminated water or food.

Treatment includes replacing fluid and electrolytes lost through diarrhea. Antibiotics can also shorten the time of sickness.

The CDC does not recommend cholera vaccinations for travelers. It is actually not available in the US. Vaccinations are not very effective in managing outbreaks. They just suggest taking precautions when eating or drinking.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0001348/

//V. cholerae// O1 has two biotypes, classical and El Tor. Each biotype has 2 distinct serotypes, Inaba and Ogawa. More peoplre are infected with El Tor. Classical biotype has become rare and are limited to parts of India/Bangledesh.

Symptoms: can be mild, or w/out symptoms, but can be severe with diarrhea, vomiting, leg cramps, etc... Symptoms can occur in 2--3 days after being infected.
 * Without treatment, death can occur within hours