Definition of Cholera:

Cholera is an infection of the small intestine that causes a large amount of watery diarrhea.

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

Cholera is caused by the bacterium Vibrio cholerae. The bacteria releases a toxin that causes increased release of water in the intestines, which produces severe diarrhea.

Cholera occurs in places with poor sanitation, crowding, war, and famine. Common locations for cholera include:

• Africa
• Asia
• India
• Mexico
• South and Central America
• The Mediterranean

People get the infection by ingesting contaminated food or water.

A type of vibrio bacteria also has been associated with shellfish, especially raw oysters.

Risk factors include:

• Exposure to contaminated or untreated drinking water
• Living in or traveling to areas where there is cholera