Monday, March 15, 2010

My school report on Cholera.

Cholera
Cholera is water borne illness that produces a toxin that keeps the body from absorbing liquids .Symptoms include, Dehydration, vomiting, diarriah and abdominal pain. Cholera started in the 1800’s.

Cholera emerged from the murky water and filthy living conditions of Ganges Delta, India. Since then, Cholera has killed millions of people. There have been a total of 8 cholera pandemics.(pandemic= Prevalent throughout an entire country, continent, or the whole world; epidemic over a large area.)When an epidemic came, the country was considered “Ruled by King Cholera”. Cholera is an equal opportunity killer, meaning that it could affect poor or rich people. John Snow stopped a major epidemic by shutting down Broad Street pump, therefore proving Cholera is a water borne illness.

Cholera is very contagious. I can be passed along by direct contact of facial/ oral contact.

There was no known cure for Cholera back in the 1800’s, so they used the medicine, Calomel. Calomel was commonly used for a range of illnesses, from diarriah to Cholera . But, the side affects weren’t exactly pleasant. Some included: causing teeth to loosen, hair to fall out, and could destroy the patients’ gums and intestines. So, it could basically give you mild mercury poisoning. But nowadays, we know that Cholera can be cured with an oral rehydration solution- A mixture of sugar, water, and salt that is meant to be drunk in large amounts! Plus, today’s Gatorade is just the right stuff! (Gatorade doesn't have side affects!) In conclusion, Cholera is an acute, infectious disease that can be passed through water or food. Cholera is cured by drinking a mixture of water, sugar and salt. (Gatorade works too.) Symptoms of Cholera include ; diarriah, vomiting, abdominal pain and dehydration. There have been a total of 8 Cholera pandemics. Cholera is most likely to strike in unsanitary areas.

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