6-4 All About Cholera

I needed to post this today, it couldn't wait another day. We're having a quiz on Cholera tommorow, so I thought I could post all the information that I know on the study guide as practice, for tommorow. Following is a list of answers to all the questions we were given in the study guide.

Cholera started off in India, in the early 1800's. It spread quickly when a river was contaminated with Cholera. Then, land and sea trade routes ensured that in less than a decade, Europe, Russia, and the Americas all were affected by Cholera. Now, with a developed water infrastructure, filters prevent water from spreading Cholera. Cholera remains prevalent only in undeveloped nations.

The immediate symptoms of Cholera are diarrea and vomiting. In less than a day, if no treatment is given, Cholera can be fatal. Also, because of the large amount of diarrea, a person can get dehydrated if the liquids lost aren't replenished.

It is acquired through coming in contact with contaminated water. Cholera can be present in unfiltered waters, which is why Cholera is still present in several third world countries.

In well developed nations, Cholera doesn't pose a problem. However, in places like Angola, the general populace fears Cholera, since it can be fatal in such a short period of time.

Cipro is used to treat Cholera. It helps shorten the duration and severity of Cholera. The only information I could find on the development of Cipro was that it was created over 19 years ago. This coming from the official Cipro site. (www.cipro.com)

Anyone has access to the drug. Several organizations that I've talked about, like WHO, have centers opened up for the treatment of Cholera. In Africa, a Cipro pill can cost around three dollars. A generic tablet only costs 20 cents.

There aren't any major side effects. According to a study, only 5% of people that used the drug complained about side effects. The prominent side effects were nausea and vomiting.

Cipro isn't necessary to treat Cholera. Just replenishing the liquids lost is the definitive treatment. Cipro can just make Cholera go away faster.

The disease was discovered in the early 1800's in India. I think I've already gone over this.

When the disease first came about, no one knew how to prevent it. So everyone was afraid of Cholera. Later, once Cholera became common knowledge, everyone knew that boiling water before drinking it would get rid of Cholera. So it became unimportant to people in North America and Europe.

The societies that don't suffer from Cholera epidemics are always the ones with the advanced water filtration systems. Those that get their source of water from a river, and don't boil the water before drinking it are more susceptible to Cholera.

Since the beggining, there have been several strains of Cholera. Each new one is resistant to the drug that was used to treat before. While drug resistance against Cipro exists, there are very few cases in which this occurs.

Although Angola's economy is blooming Angola's government has done little to control the outbreaks that ravage its people. Organizations have taken it upon themselves to provide aid, and treat those afflicted with Cholera.

The drug is not tested anymore, it is a proven product. It has been around for a two decades.

Cipro can help, but it is not necessary to get rid of Cholera. Those that have enough money for the generic version will get it, those that don't won't.

Religion does not play a major role in people's view of Cholera or it's treatment.

However, several organizations, like WHO are educating people about Cholera, and how to prevent it. Preventative measures, like boiling water is taught by people sent by organizations to teach people about Cholera, and how to treat it.

Anyone with enough money has access to the drug. However, with the sparsity of medical centers in Angola, it can be difficult to find the treatment.

Locations that aren't developed have a larger chance of getting affected by Cholera. Unsanitary conditions can mean that the disease is spread around quickly.

The disease was brought over to the Americas and Europe through trade routes leading out of India, where Cholera originated.

A wet climate can mean that Cholera can be spread around easier. For example, in wet rainy conditions, the rain water running through the streets can be contaminated with Cholera.

Well, that was a lot of info. Check back tommorow, for more info on progress and another surprise or two.