Key Facts on Cholera from the World Health Organization

Cholera is an acute diarrhoeal disease that can kill within hours if left untreated.
Cholera is a disease of poverty affecting people with inadequate access to safe water and basic sanitation.
Conflict, unplanned urbanization and climate change all increase the risk of cholera.
Researchers have estimated that each year there are 1.3 to 4.0 million cases of cholera, and 21 000 to 143 000 deaths worldwide due to cholera (1).
Most of those infected have no or mild symptoms and can be successfully treated with oral rehydration solution.
Severe cases need rapid treatment with intravenous fluids and antibiotics.
Provision of safe water and basic sanitation, and hygiene practices is critical to prevent and control the transmission of cholera and other waterborne diseases.
Oral cholera vaccines should be used in conjunction with improvements in water and sanitation to control cholera outbreaks and for prevention in areas known to be high risk for cholera.