|
|
|
CHOLERA
Description |
|
|
|
Symptoms |
|
Abdominal cramps |
Abdominal pain |
Dehydration |
|
Diarrhea |
Fever |
Muscles - cramps |
|
Vomiting |
|
|
|
|
Description |
Cholera is an acute intestinal infection caused by
ingestion of food or water contaminated with a bacterium called Vibrio cholerae.
The bacteria release a toxin that causes increased discharge of water in the
intestines, which produces severe diarrhea.
The infection is often mild or without symptoms, but
sometimes it can be severe. Symptoms can occur within 24 to 48 hours of being
infected with the cholera-causing bacteria. When illness does occur, about
80-90% of episodes are of mild or moderate severity and are difficult to
distinguish clinically from other types of acute diarrhea. About 1 infected
person out of 20 has severe signs and symptoms.
The main characteristic symptom is the watery diarrhea
that starts suddenly and has a "fishy" odor. Stools, also called "rice water",
contain mucus, epithelial cells, and large number of cholera bacteria. |
|
|
Diagnosis |
|
Signs and symptoms of cholera, like the rice-water
diarrhea, in an endemic area can be accepted as a preliminary diagnosis. Doctors
also may consider the recent travel history of the patient. Therefore, a
physical examination is needed. However, the disease can only be confirmed after
a culture of a stool sample is made. |
|
|
More information: |
Cholera
Treatment
Cholera
Healthcare Centers
|
|
|
|
Privacy Policy, Terms of Use, and Disclaimers
|