Cholera Causes & Risks

Causes

Cholera is caused by the bacterium Vibrio cholera . This bacterium secretes a toxin that causes rapid loss of fluids from the small intestines. Cholera is not spread directly from one person to another. It is spread through food or water contaminated by fecal waste. It is common in countries that lack adequate sewage disposal.

Small Intestines

Risk Factors

A risk factor is something that increases your chances of getting a disease or condition.

Risk factors include:

Eating contaminated food or fluids
Eating raw or undercooked shellfish
Living or traveling in areas where cholera is present
Having blood group O—nine-fold increase in risk
Having a compromised immune system
Having low levels of stomach acid

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