Cholera, a bacterial disease usually spread by food or water, can be fatal if not treated right away.
The disease initially causes intestinal distress and dehydration. Cholera is a fast-acting disease that can turn deadly within hours. Poor sanitation and unclean water systems create a breeding ground for cholera in developing countries. Areas like Yemen and Haiti have ongoing cholera outbreaks that have spread to millions.
Across the globe, cholera causes over 100,00 deaths every year. It has become increasingly important to keep track of the disease and predict trends. If we know where cholera will emerge next, officials may be able to prevent a deadly epidemic.