Cholera

Cholera is an infection of the intestines caused by bacteria called Vibrio cholera. This infection results in large amounts of diarrhea. A person can develop cholera by eating or drinking contaminated food or water. Cholera occurs in most parts of the world. In the US, most cases are seen in travelers from other countries, or in people who have eaten food imported from another country. In some southern states in the US, eating raw shellfish …

…line, or IV. This is often the only treatment that is needed, as the diarrhea goes away in a few days. Antibiotics, such as doxycycline and ciprofloxacin, can be used to treat cholera. Though antibiotics are not needed, they are commonly used in the US to shorten the length of time it takes for symptoms to go away. They also help clear the bacteria from the bowel, which reduces the chance of spread to others.