Cholera

In 2015, 172 454 cases and 1304 deaths of cholera were reported to WHO worldwide. Outbreaks continued to affect several countries. Overall, 41% of cases were reported from Africa, 37% from Asia and 21% from the Americas. Cholera remains a major public health problem and affect primarily developing world populations with no proper access to adequate water and sanitation resources.

Cholera is an infection of the small intestine by some strains of the bacteriumVibrio cholerae.^[3] Symptoms may range from none, to mild, to severe.^[2] The classic symptom is large amounts of watery diarrhea that lasts a few days.^[1]Vomiting and muscle cramps may also occur.^[2] Diarrhea can be so severe that it leads within hours to severe dehydration and electrolyte imbalance.^[1] This may result in sunken eyes, cold skin, decreased skin elasticity, and wrinkling of the hands and feet.^[4] The…