Introduction to Epidemiology 6th Edition by Ray M Merrill

Exercise 17

Describe the disease, cholera, as presented by John Snow and also describe cholera as it is known today.

Step 1 of 2

Cholera is caused by a comma shaped, gram negative bacterium known as Vibrio cholerae. It gets transmitted mainly by contaminated food and water. Oral-fecal route is the most common route taken by this bacterium. Diarrhea, cramps, vomiting are major symptoms. Vibrio cholerae secretes cholera poison or endotoxins, which drains all water from the blood and hence cause large amount water and electrolyte loss.

This can be restored by giving ORS (oral rehydration solution) to the patients. This mixture contains essential electrolytes required by the body. By feeding a patient with ORS osmolarity of the body fluids is maintained, thus, re-balancing the fluid concentration.