|
MAIN
Health
Diseases
Cholera
The
word cholera brings up images of plagues and death. This disease
was one of the most feared epidemics during the early days
of the Industrial Revolution when the breakdown of the agricultural
economy sent thousands to cities looking for work.
In cities
like London where the available housing was not up to handling
the increased population and sanitation was not a major concern
thousands perished in cholera epidemics on a regular basis.
Through the efforts of the medical community and improved
sanitation in cities, cholera in humans is no longer very
common in the industrialized nations.
It is
still a major health threat in many parts of the world where
modern sanitation standards and medical care are not the norm.
In severe cases it can cause dehydration, shock or death...
John
Snow - is the epidemiologist who uncovered the way
that cholera is transmitted and solved London's deadly cholera
epidemic of 1854. This site is fascinating... maps of London
in the mid 1800s, original texts and other information on
the disease and the methods epidemiologists use to track elusive
germs.
WHO
- Cholera - The World Health Organization presents
information on cholera. The report covers reports of outbreaks,
travelers information, what is being done to control it and
other issues.
CDC
- Cholera - The US Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention
site contains basic information on cholera - mainly as it
applies to US citizens travelling to areas where it is common.
Science
in Africa - This U.N. sponsored magazine has several
articles on cholera and the political and social roots of
the ongoing problems causing this epidemic to continue.
Fighting
Cholera with Maps - This lesson plan with handouts
from the National Geographic Society gives a good basic explanation
of the disease. The focus is how maps helped John Snow to
isolate the cause of the London epidemic of 1854.
Thomas
Shapter : The History of the Cholera in Exeter 1832
- Charts and illustrations bring home the seriousness of cholera
before the disease was understood. The section of illustrations
from the book is very nicely done.
Cholera
News Headlines - Updated news stories from the international
media.
This
information is intended as reference and not as medical advice.
All treatment decisions should be made by medical professionals.
|