Cholera: T-Pain Style

Science Eighth Grade

2009-2010

Soooooo what is Cholera?

Cholera is an infection of the small intestine that causes a large amount of watery diarrhea.

NOT EVEN…

• Yes, someone with Cholera may get these symptoms too:– Cramps (abdominal)– Dry Skin– Vomiting – Rapid Dehydration– Nausea– Excessive Thirst– Lethargy

Nasty right?

• YES!– Those with Cholera contracted it from an

infected person; through their infected feces (fancy word for…poop!)

– The poop is usually in drinking water or food that has been contaminated by the cholera bacterium.

How else?

• Raw shellfish have sometimes been the source of cholera.

• So person-to-person contact, between an infected person and an uninfected person, likely will not transmit the disease.

Risky!!!

What about me?

• It is unlikely that you will get infected with Cholera…because– Modern sewage and water treatment

systems.– You live in the United States.– Hope that no one that travels to Latin

America or Asia brings back contaminated seafood.

Why from Asia, Africa and Latin America?

• Currently, these countries are experiencing a cholera epidemic.

• If you do go here…– Boil your water– Eat only thoroughly cooked food.– Don’t bring back perishable seafood.– Avoid salads…vegetables COOKED!!!

Avoid THIS…

Cholera=Death? Really?

Can I die from diarrhea?

• When you lose a lot of water and salt through you diarrhea.

• Then you can become dehydrated very quickly…

• Once you get diarrhea, are you only doomed for death?

Fortunately…

• You can be treated for Cholera by…– Oral rehydration solution that simply

replaces the fluids lost through the diarrhea.

– Or get IV (intravenous fluid) replacement.– Antibiotics used to weaken to severity of

the illness but not as important as rehydration.

PainFul…

CAUSE VERSUS…

EFFECT…