Cholera

An infection of the small intestine by the bacterium causing profuse watery diarrhoea, which can lead to dehydration and death. Infection is acquired by ingesting contaminated food or water. Outbreaks of cholera occur regularly in northeast India, but worldwide the disease is controlled by sanitation. Treatment is with water containing salts and sugar (see oral rehydration therapy) and, in severe cases, intravenous infusion. Antibiotic drugs can shorten the period of diarrhoea and infectiousness. With adequate rehydration, affected people usually make a full recovery from the infection.