Cholera Cholera is an infectious intestinal disease common in Southern Asia. Cholera is caused by a comma-shaped bacterium called Vibrio Choleras. The microorganism is transmitted by water or food that has been contaminated with the feces of people who have the disease. Cholera occurs when Vibrio Cholera enters the intestines and releases Cholera toxin. The toxin causes the intestine to secrete large amounts of water and salt. Because the intestine cannot absorb the water and salt at the rate they are secreted, the patient suffers severe diarrhea. This loss of fluid causes severe dehydration and changes in the body chemistry. If untreated, the illness can lead to shock and eventually death. With