What is cholera?

Cholera is an infection of the intestines. It’s caused by ingestion of food or water that’s contaminated with what is scientifically known as the bacterium Vibrio cholerae.

According to data from October 2024, every year, there are approximately 4 million cholera cases globally and as many as 143,000 related deaths.

In 2023 cholera resurged in many countries with alarming force.

Young children, especially those under the age of 5, suffering from malnutrition and breastfeeding mothers are at most risk of experiencing severe symptoms.

However, cholera can be prevented and treated easily if you act immediately.

You can catch cholera by:

• Drinking contaminated water;
• Eating contaminated food (e.g., food that is raw, poorly cooked, or that becomes contaminated with poo (faeces) during preparation or storage);
• Contact with poo (faeces), vomit or things that have been contaminated with the poo or vomit of someone who has cholera; and
• Unprotected contact with the body of someone who has died from cholera.

Cholera spreads when there is no clean water and proper toilets. Children, their families and communities settled in crowded places like highly populated urban areas and refugee camps are especially vulnerable. Poverty and conflicts make clean water hard to access.

Climate change may contribute to the spread of cholera. More rain and floods make it harder to get clean water.

Your involvement and the engagement of your community is key to prevent cholera.

For more information on preventing and treating cholera, please Click NEXT.