Term:
Cholera
Description:
An acute intestinal infection caused by Vibrio Cholerae. The infection is often mild and self-limited. Infection is acquired primarily by ingesting contaminated water or food; person-to-person transmission is rare. Mild and/or symptomless cases of cholera far outnumbered severe cases.
Symptoms:
Severe cases (very rare) begin with the explosive onset of frequent, watery stools -- and vomiting may also occur. These initial symptoms usually occur 2-3 days after exposure to cholera. If left untreated, an infected individual with severe symptoms becomes dehydrated, with abnormally low blood pressure, subnormal temperature, muscle cramps, decreased urine output, shock and coma.
Treatment:
Persons with severe cases respond dramatically to simple fluid- and electrolyte-replacement therapy. Fluid-electrolyte balance can be maintained by drinking fruit juice, caffeine-free soft drinks, and eating salted crackers.
*You should always seek a professional physician's
advice before trying to administer any type of treatment.
Picture:
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Please contact our Physician Referral Service
at (702) 383-1904.
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or it's related web pages, is provided for educational purposes
only. Consult your own physician, or visit a UMC Primary
Care, regarding the applicability of any opinions or recommendations
with respect to your symptoms or medical condition.
