Cholera is an infection of the intestines caused by bacteria called Vibrio cholerae. This infection results in large amounts of diarrhea.
A person can develop cholera by eating or drinking food or water that has been contaminated by the cholera germ. Cholera occurs in most parts of the world. In the U.S., most cases are seen either in:
In some southern states in the U.S., cholera can be caught by eating raw shellfish. Cholera can cause severe dehydration, which may result in death if the person is not treated.
Cholera is caused by eating or drinking contaminated food or water that contains Vibrio cholerae bacteria.