Travelers be weary of Cholera infection

Have you recently traveled to a developing county and are you experiencing…. Nausea Vomiting Severe Diarrhea Leg cramping

Developing countries Africa Haiti India Latin America Southeast Asia

If so, you may have Cholera!!!

What is Cholera? Caused by bacterium Vibrio cholerae – Strains : O1, O139 (Tappero & Tauxe, 2011) Intestinal infection Found in polluted water

Causes..... Poor sanitation Poor hygiene Inadequate water treatment

Stats..... Estimated 3-5 million cases and 100, ,000 deaths yearly (WHO, 2014) Incubation 2 hours to roughly 5 days Affects children and adults Causes severe dehydration Can be fatal in hours if left untreated ORS can treat 80% of Cholera cases (WHO, 2014)

Risks..... Living/travel to developing countries such as Africa, Haiti, Southeast Asia Overpopulation Poor sanitation Raw/undercooked foods

Treatment... Replenish fluids lost from diarrhea and vomiting with water and salts, known as ORS (oral rehydration solution) (CDC, 2014) Seek immediate medical attention

Prevention and control Drink bottled water Cook food thoroughly (especially seafood) Wash hands Avoid raw foods

References CDC (2014). Cholera- Vibrio cholerae infection. Retrieved from Mendez, J. (2013). Cold. On Silhouettes [CD]. Monterrey, Mexico: Jorge Mendez Tappero, J. W. & Tauxe, R. V. (2011). Lessons Learned during Public Health Response to Cholera Epidemic in Haiti and the Dominican Republic. Emerging Infectious Diseases, 17, 11, Who (2014). Cholera. Retrieved from 7/en/