Cholera is an infection of the small intestine. It is a major cause of death in the world. If untreated, it can lead to death within hours. Transmission of this disease is typically through contaminated drinking water or food.
The primary symptoms of cholera are profuse liquid diarrhea, abdominal pain, vomiting and fever. Symptoms often start suddenly, usually one to five days after infection, though persons infected with cholera may not always have these symptoms or any symptoms at all.
According to the World Health Organisation, cholera is an easily treatable disease through prompt administration of oral rehydration salts. Primary treatment is with oral or intravenous rehydration solutions. Antibiotics may be beneficial, and in certain cases they are used.
