Cholera, caused by the bacterium Vibrio cholerae, remains a significant global public health concern, highlighting inequalities and gaps in social development. Each year, researchers estimate between 1.3 to 4.0 million cases of cholera and 21,000 to 143,000 deaths worldwide due to this acute diarrheal infection.
The disease manifests swiftly with severe watery diarrhea and dehydration, capable of causing death within hours if untreated. Symptoms typically appear within 12 hours to 5 days after consuming contaminated food or water. Interestingly, most infected individuals do not exhibit symptoms but continue to shed the bacteria in their feces, posing a continued risk of transmission to others.
Prevention of cholera hinges on ensuring access to clean water, sanitation facilities, and promoting good hygiene practices universally. By addressing these fundamental factors, cholera outbreaks can be predictably managed and ultimately eliminated, safeguarding the health of communities worldwide.
