Vibrio Cholerae is a rod-shaped bacteria that causes Cholera. Individuals become infected when they ingest contaminated food or water. Often for pioneers, it was contaminated water, but food played an important role, as well.

As seen in the segment above, Cholera causes diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and cramping. According to the CDC, 1 in 10 infected persons will experience serious symptoms; oftentimes, afflicted people have little to no symptoms. [3]

More specifically, Cholera in its early stages may cause:

|1|-- Watery diarrhea (This can lead to dehydration)
|2|-- Thirst (can lead to a worsened condition because of contaminated water)
|3|-- Leg Cramps
|4|-- Restlessness
|5|-- Irritability [3]

Onset dehydration after infection can lead to rapid heart rate, dry mucous membranes, low blood sugar, and loss of skin elasticity, according to the CDC, and can lead to kidney failure. This dehydration can lead to death [3] which can happen as fast as 12 hours. [2] Some may last up to 5 days. [4]

|1|-- Insufficient access to clean water
|2|-- Inadequate sanitation facilities [4]

Both of these major risk factors are applicable to the living conditions of many wagon companies of the 19th century.

The feces of infected individuals should be exposed of quickly and carefully, to ensure no further transfer occurs. All those in association with the sick person, including the infected, must wash their hands often.[3]

NOTE: Even if a person has been exposed to Cholera before, they can still get ill if exposed again.

Cholera is easily treatable. Many people, because they are suffering from dehydration, can be treated with an oral rehydration solution, according to the World Health Organization. Shock patients may require IVs.[4]

Check out these resources to learn more:

www.cdc.gov
www.who.int
www.britannica.com
www.paho.org
www.nps.gov
oregontrailcenter.org