Introduction to Epidemiology 6th Edition by Ray M Merrill

Exercise 10

What did the persons who got the disease do differently than those who did not get the disease (e.g., the inmates in the workhouse)?

Step 1 of 2

Cholera is contagious disease which is caused by the effluvia present in the water and food. It mainly infects the alimentary canal, and is caused by the various strains of Vibrio cholerae. V. cholerae releases endotoxins, called as cholera toxin, once it enters the alimentary canal. This toxin is the main cause of diarrhea and vomiting.

The most devastating outbreak of cholera that took place in the human history was in Broad Street, London, in the year 1854. It set its pace on the night of 31^st of August. On 1^st September, number of attacks increased and so was the number of deaths. The main cause of these attacks was the pump that was frequently used by the local inhabitants for drinking water and other uses. On close examination, a film of organic matter was observed but its origin was not claimed. There was no leakage in the sewer line, so contamination from these lines was also ruled out.