Hermine E. Smikle
Cholera is caused by the virus vibrio cholerae. The disease is spread primarily by bacteria- contaminated sewage that has mixed with water used for drinking. The disease can also be transmitted by contact with soiled bedding or clothes of an infected person.
The virus can survive for some days on damped clothing. If the contaminated sewage is used as fertilizer, it can be transmitted by domestic animals that can carry the virus, but are not affected.
The virus enters the body through the mouth, and then passes through the stomach to the small intestines where it multiplies. The infection period can take a few hours to two or three days. The virus produces a toxin which affects the membrane of the small intestines. This causes a loss of fluid and essential minerals. This loss of fluids is very severe and rapid. The patient loses fluids also from vomiting.
The patient suffers muscular cramps and extreme thirst. The blood thickens, and the blood pressure falls. If the patient survives, recovery is very quick, leaving no evidence of damage to the body. An attack of cholera does not provide any immunity to the disease.