Cholera 101: What You Need To Know

What Causes Cholera?

Cholera is a direct result of unhealthy sanitation practices and poor quality water. In places where water can be contaminated by fecal matter, cholera is highly prevalent. If water is not boiled or otherwise sanitized, individuals living in the area are at risk for contracting cholera. As sanitation and infrastructure improve in the developing world, the risk for communities contracting cholera will decrease.

Whenever visiting a country dealing with a cholera outbreak, travelers should be advised not to drink or brush their teeth with water from the tap. Due to overcrowding, communities experiencing cramped living conditions tend to experience cholera epidemics, where it can easily spread due to these unsanitary living conditions, or when there is a disruption in their water system.

Continue reading to discover how to effectively treat and prevent the spread of cholera.