A person with cholera has an infection of the intestines, caused by the bacteria, Vibrio cholerae.

Cholera infection causes severe diarrhea. Although cholera can be life threatening, it can be successfully treated with antibiotics.

Cholera is rare in the US. Common bacterial causes for gastroenteritis in the US include:

• Shigella infection
• Campylobacter enteritis
• Pseudomembranous colitis:
• Clostridium difficile
• Salmonella gastroenteritis
• E. coli