The document summarizes cholera, a deadly waterborne disease caused by the Vibrio cholerae bacteria. It is spread through contaminated food or water due to poor hygiene. Symptoms include abdominal cramps, watery diarrhea, dehydration, and exhaustion. Diagnosis involves examining stool samples microscopically or testing for cholera enterotoxin. Treatment focuses on oral rehydration and antibiotics while prevention emphasizes drinking boiled water, avoiding raw food, and proper sanitation.

1. Dr Hemanth S Naik
Medical Research Scientist

2. INTRODUCTION
• Acute intestinal infection caused by ingestion of food or
water contaminated by a comma-shaped bacteria Vibrio
cholerae
• Deadly water borne disease
• Untreated individuals may die from severe dehydration
within two to three hours.

3. CAUSES
• Vibrio Cholerae
• Exposure from poor hygiene
• Eating raw or undercooked food

4. Signs & Symptoms
• Begin 1 to 3 days after infection
• Abdominal cramps
• Dehydration
– Dry mouth
– Dry skin
– Excessive thirst
– Sunken eyes
– Low urine output
– Low Blood Pressure
• Watery diarrhea with a "fishy" odor
• Tiredness & Unusual sleepiness

5. Sign & symptoms

6. DIAGNOSIS
• Rectal swabs or from fresh stool samples.
• Dark-field microscopic examination of fresh feces
showing rapidly moving bacilli
• All food isolates must be tested for the production of
cholera enterotoxin.

7. TREATMENT
• Water and electrolyte replacement therapy – “oral re-
hydration salts”
• Use of antibiotics

8. PREVENTION
• Drink only boiled water
• Avoid undercooked or raw food
• Proper sanitation

9. HISTORY