05/06/25 Public Health Education Topic: Cholera/Vibrio Cholera

Per CDC:

Key points

• Cholera is a bacterial disease spread through contaminated water and food.

• Cholera can cause severe diarrhea, dehydration, and even death if the disease goes untreated.

• People living in places with unsafe drinking water, poor sanitation, and inadequate hygiene are at highest risk of cholera.

How it spreads

People usually get cholera from drinking water or eating food that contains traces of poop from someone with cholera. The disease can spread quickly in areas where sewage and drinking water aren't adequately treated.

Cholera bacteria also can live in brackish (slightly salty) and coastal waters. Eating raw shellfish can cause cholera.

Cholera is not likely to spread from person to person or from casual contact with someone with cholera.

Prevention

If you plan to travel, check if cholera is common or ongoing in the area you are visiting. If cholera is present, washing your hands with soap and safe water, drinking treated water, and getting vaccinated against cholera are among the steps that can help prevent you from getting sick.

To learn more visit: About Cholera | Cholera | CDC