Introduction to Epidemiology 6th Edition by Ray M Merrill

Exercise 18

What accurate observations weremade about wells, cesspools, and ground water, the purity of the water, and its contamination?What inaccurate andmisunderstood observations were made about the water, its flow, and its contamination?

Step 1 of 3

Cholera is a contagious disease that is caused by a comma shaped gram negative bacterium, Vibrio cholerae. It secretes an endotoxin called as cholera toxin which infects the alimentary canal. This toxin is responsible for the watery diarrhea. It leads to the absorption of water molecules, sodium ions, potassium ions and bicarbonate ions. Due to the increased osmolarity in the lumen of intestine, water moves from blood capillaries into the lumen. Hence, electrolyte and water imbalance occurs after cholera attack.

ORS (Oral Rehydration Solution) is generally given to the patient suffering from cholera or diarrhea. It contains essential electrolytes which help in restoration of body fluids. Other symptoms of cholera include muscle spasms and vomiting. A single dose of antibiotics like doxycycline or azithromycin are administered to the patients and are proved to be effective.