Cholera
...ude sudden onset of up to one liter (quart) per hour of a fishy smelling diarrhea. Dehydration occurs rapidly, which causes rapid pulse (heart rate). The skin becomes very dry. Mucus membranes become dry as well as in the mouth, which causes excessive thirst. The eyes are unable to produce tears so they become glassy and sunken. The person can become tired and lethargic. There is little urine output. In infants suken soft spots (frontanelles) are formed. Abdominal cramps, nausea and vomiting can also be symptoms. Anyone of these symptoms can vary from mild to severe (Yahoo 2) One method of transmission occurs anywhere there is poor sanitation and fecal, contamination of water. Also contaminated shellfish in Gulf Coast states can be a method of transmission because the winters in these areas are so mild that they do not kill off the causative vibrios and the waters stay contaminated all year round (Black 621). In an epidemic, the source of transmission is usually the feces of the infected person, although, the disease is not likely to spread from casual contact with an infected person (Center of Disease Control 2). The risk of becoming infected with Cholera is low for United States travelers, visiting areas with an epidemic of cholera. Simple precautions can be followed to avoid contracting the disease. One is drinking only water that has been boiled or treated with chlorine or iodine. Individuals should only eat foods that have been cooked thoroughly and remain hot. Fruits should be peeled by hand. Avoiding raw or uncooked shellfish is necessary. Fods and beverage from street vendors should not be bought. Perishable seafood should not be brought back to the United States. A simple rule to live by is to “Boil it, cook it, peel it, or forget it (CDC 3).” There is no Cholera vaccine in the United States because it was discontinued. The brief and incomplete immunity ...