Cholera - Cholera is a severe gastrointestinal disease of humans. It is endemic in most countries of Asia including India.
The major virulence factor is the cholera enterotoxin produced by the causative agent, Vibrio cholerae.
The disease has a high mortality rate due to dehydration and loss of minerals.
Symptoms include severe vomiting, diarrhoea, and increased blood acidity.
Large numbers of pathogen are excreted during the course of the disease.
Pathogens rarely survive in natural waters, usually less than 7 days.
