Cholera is an intestinal infection that is waterborne, spreads quickly, occurs in places where there is poor sanitation (usually feces contaminating drinking water) and limited access to clean drinking water. These conditions often occur in developing countries.
If left untreated cholera can kill within hours.
Cholera is caused by ingestion of food or water contaminated with the bacterium Vibrio cholerae.
Victims suffer watery diarrhea and possibly vomiting which leads to dehydration.
The bacterial disease kills 100,000-120,000 people every year.
Not only is it curable, it’s easy to cure. Up to 80% of cases can be treated with oral rehydration salts. The severely dehydrated my also require intravenous fluids and antibiotics.
To learn more about cholera read: What is cholera?