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.