Cholera is caused by a bacterium, vibrio cholerae, which produces a toxin that affects the intestines. This bacterium has been at the origin of devastating epidemics worldwide throughout history.
After an incubation period ranging from a few hours to four days, cholera is mainly characterized by acute watery diarrhea associated with vomiting.
The severity of the disease is mainly correlated to the risk of severe dehydration, which can lead to death in a few hours.
Treatment thus relies on a rehydration adapted to the patient’s condition.
Hygiene and sanitation are the cornerstones in the fight against this disease.
2 - WHO. Biologicals Cholera vaccines. Updated February 2015.
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