Cholera (Vibrio cholerae)(Marcelo) - Bacterial infection that

causes increased release of water from cells in the intestines. This leads to
severe and sometimes fatal diarrhea.

Symptoms (Marcelo) - Most people exposed to the cholera bacterium

(Vibrio cholerae) don't become ill and never know they've been infected. Yet
because they shed cholera bacteria in their stool for seven to 14 days, they
can still infect others through contaminated water. These symptoms include:
Diarrhea; may be quick and cause a loss of up to 1 QUART of fluids.
Due to cholera is usually a pale/milky appearance.
Nausea and Vomiting; may occur in early and latter stages of cholera
Irritability, Sunken Eyes
Dry mouth/Extreme thirst
Little to no urine excretion
Shock/muscle cramps

Causes (Marcelo)
Raw or uncooked seafood from waters polluted with sewage
Fruits or vegetables grown with water containing water with human
waste
Foods and drinks sold by street vendors
Human waste

Prognosis (Marcelo)- Progresses incredibly quickly, and may cause

death if left untreated. Alas, since the problem is simply dehydration, the
individual can expect FULL recovery if given proper treatment. Replacement
of lost water/fluids is vital. As well as receiving vaccination if possible.
However, if untreated within a few hours fatality can occur.

Treatment/Prevention (Ali) - Vaccination, although is not 100%

guaranteed to eradicate the bacterium for all carriers of cholera,
replacement of fluids for mild cases, as well as intravenous drips for severe
cases.

Drinking
Preparing food/ice
Washing face and hands
Washing fruit and vegetables
Washing/cleaning utensils used for eating
Brushing teeth
Avoiding raw/uncooked foods

Tests (Marcelo)- In areas with little to no lab testing, the Crystal VC

dipstick can provide an early warning to public health officials that an
outbreak of cholera has occurred. However, the sensitivity and specificity of
this test is not optimal; as a result it is recommended that fecal matter that
tests positive for V. cholerae O1 and/or O139 by the Crystal VC dipstick be
confirmed using traditional culture-based methods suitable for the isolation
and identification of V. cholerae.

Pathology (Ali)- The bacteria is ingested through water or food. This

bacterium is then enters the intestine and imbeds itself with the intestinal
cells. Once it is inside of the cell, it releases a toxin that secretes fluids from
the cells. This causes rapid vomiting and diarrhea.

Statistics (Ali)-

Glossary (Ali)Lethargy- Lack of energy and enthusiasm.

Arrhythmia- When your heart has an irregular beat or rhythm.
Electrolyte Imbalance- When you lack electrolytes. This is a cause of loss
of liquids.
Eradicate- To destroy, or to put an end to.

Fatality- Occurrence of death.

List for our citations:

http://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/cholera-faq

http://www.mdguidelines.com/cholera/prognosis

http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/notices/watch/haiti-cholera

http://www.cdc.gov/cholera/diagnosis.html

http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/114078/cholera