Where are V. cholerae bacteria found?
V. cholerae can be found in people. The bacterium may also live in the environment in brackish (containing some salt) rivers and coastal waters. Shellfish eaten raw have been a source of cholera. How do these bacteria spread? Cholera bacteria are passed in stool and are spread by consuming contaminated food or water. Who gets cholera? Cholera is a rare disease in the United States. People traveling to foreign countries where outbreaks are occurring and people who consume raw or undercooked seafood from warm coastal waters subject to sewage contamination are at greatest risk. What are the symptoms of cholera? People infected with V. cholerae may experience mild to severe watery diarrhea, vomiting, and dehydration. In severe cases, shock and organ failure can occur. Without treatment, death can occur in more than 50% of cases within a few hours. How soon do symptoms appear? The symptoms generally appear 2 3 days after exposure (range 6 hours – 5 days). How long can an infected person car
