Cholera, sometimes known as Asiatic cholera or epidemic cholera, is an infectious gastroenteritis caused by the bacterium Vibrio cholerae. Transmission to humans occurs through ingesting food or water that is contaminated with cholera vibrios.

The major reservoir for cholera was long assumed to be humans themselves, but considerable evidence exists that aquatic environments can serve as reservoirs of the bacteria. In its most severe forms, cholera is one of the most rapidly fatal illnesses known, and a healthy person may become hypotensive within an hour of the onset of symptoms.

One to three days after exposure the patient begins to feel slightly ill and a little diarrhea begins. In some cases it does not amount to much more than that, for some people are not as susceptible to the disease as others. Usually the onset is sudden. Profuse watery stools pour forth, sometimes with such force that the patient cannot control them.

The stool is light grey in color, which fact gives it the name "rice-water stool." Vomiting is also severe and often projectile, which means it shoots out of the mouth. With the loss of fluid from vomiting and diarrhea, the patient becomes dehydrated very soon.

Treatment:

1.The foremost among the many home remedies for cholera is the use of lemon. The juice of this fruit can kill cholera bacilli within a very short time. It is also a very effective and reliable preventive against cholera during an epidemic. It can be taken in the form of a sweetened or salted beverage for this purpose. Taking of lemon with food as a daily routine can also prevent cholera.

2. Cholera can be treated easily without much of a hassle. If the loss of salts and fluids are replaced immediately then major part of treatment gets over in that time. They can be done by oral rehydration solution and if it is an epidemic it cannot be stopped immediately. Although Cholera can be controlled easily, unless you take proper precautions, this condition could escalate into something serious.

3. Oral rehydration is vital as soon as possible. This can be water and electrolytes taken by mouth, or intravenously when necessary.

4. Tectracycline is the primary anti-biotic for treatment, although others have been used when the cholera bacterium proves resistant, sometimes multi-drug treatment.

5. Add two tablespoons of molasses and a teaspoonful of salt to every liter of water (boiled, naturally), and drink as much of it as you can - until it virtually comes out of your ears. Do not take any antidiarrheal medications; they do no good in this particular situation and may actually hurt you," Rosenfeld said.

6.The bedding and clothing of patients must be sterilized and care givers must thoroughly wash their hands.