'Love In The Time Of Cholera' is a wonderful, moving novel by Gabriel Garcia Marquez, which was adapted for film and released under the same title in 2007. In it, one of the main characters is devoted to her husband, a doctor committed to finding a cure for cholera, a terrible bacterial disease which, in the story, as in reality, was responsible for many deaths in the late 19th and early 20th century. Since we so rarely suffer with this disease in our time, many of us are left wondering what it is, and some of us find out too late. Being a bacterial disease which is closely related to ingesting contaminated water, many of us don't experience this disease unless we have been exposed to unusual circumstances. This article will give an overview of cholera, but for a truly in depth look, please follow the following link: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/cholera/DS00579.
Cholera can easily become fatal within a matter of hours if left untreated mainly because the most alarming effect is severe dehydration. Causing extremely severe diarrhea, cholera leaves its victims particularly vulnerable. However, with adequate treatment, an inexpensive rehydration solution, most people recover quickly and easily.
Efficient plumbing, sewage treatment and other modern conveniences have all but eliminated cholera in industrialized countries. Yet many countries, especially those in which natural disasters, poverty and overcrowding are all present, leaving their citizens with sub-par sanitation systems, water and sewage treatment, still experience this terrible disease. These countries include some parts of Asia, the middle East, Latin America, India and sub-Saharan Africa. The United States has not experienced a major outbreak of cholera since 1911.
Even though many people only experience very mild forms of diarrhea and will not realize they have cholera, they are very much contagious to others for up to 14 days. In fact, only one in 10 people will experience the more severe effects and symptoms of cholera which include:
Severe, watery diarrhea which may or may not happen alongside severe vomiting. The symptoms, not unlike food poisoning, may feel the same if you've ever had that.
In general, children with cholera have the same signs and symptoms adults do, but they may also experience:
Extreme drowsiness or even coma
Fever
Convulsions
Severe diarrhea is always cause for concern. Even if you think you may just have an upset stomach, the risk of dehydration is not worth skipping a visit to the doctor for a diagnosis.
While contaminated water is the most common cause of cholera, undercooked or raw shellfish and even fruits and vegetables that are raw and uncooked can carry the cholera bacteria. By thoroughly cooking food, especially seafood, the chances of contracting cholera may be reduced.
Aimee Boyle is a freelance writer and has a blog. Please visit at http://straightandnarrow.yolasite.com