Cholera is a lethal disease which strikes in developing and poor countries where sanitation is deficient. Asia, Africa, South America are among the regions vulnerable to this disease. It affects the small intestine and a release of a large amount of water in the body results in persistent and watery diaorrhea. Prompt treatment is necessary without which the patient dehydrates fast and has no chance of survival.The cause of cholera infection is exposure to contaminated food or water or contact with an infected person. The symptoms are many and include persistent diaohrrea, abdominal cramps, excessive thirst, dry mouth, severe dehydration, lethargy, low urine output, sleepiness etc. Tests to establish the problem include stool and blood cultures.Immediate supplies of clean water and improvement of sanitation facilities are a must in case of an outbreak of cholera. Vaccines are available but these are not very effective to control an outbreak. The remedy is to replace lost  fluids and electrolytes through oral and intra-venous routes, WHO has also devised a sugar and electrolytes solution which is easier to administer. Antibiotics are also available to neutralise the infection.
Prevention is the effective answer and clean water and good sanitation are a must.