Transmission+-+Cholera

Cholera is transmitted mainly through fecal contamination of food and water and without sanitation is easily spread throughout less developed nations. Vibrio cholerae can live naturally in any environment.

Contaminated water that is not filtered and consumed can easily carry the Cholera bacterium.

In more developed countries the cholera bacterium can be found in shellfish and planton that ingests or carries the disease.

In order to infect a healthy human adult, one hundred million bacteria must be ingested to cause cholera. Children are more susceptible due to their lesser developed adaptive immune systems, as a result 2-4 year olds have the highest rates of infection. Type O is the most susceptible blood type and people with lower immune systems are at a higher risk of infection, AIDS and malnourishment are common factors in low immunity and result in more infection.

Symptoms & Disease Progression - Cholera