Introduction to Cholera.

     Cholera is a severe diarrhea illness caused by ingestion of food or water contaminated with the bacterium Vibrio cholerae. In some developing countries where Vibrio cholerae is present, the bacteria contaminates drinking water, uncooked seafood, and other foods. Every year, there are an estimated 3–5 million cholera cases, and 100 000–120 000 deaths due to cholera. The short incubation period of two hours to five days, enhances the potentially explosive pattern of outbreaks.