Cholera

Drawing of Death bringing the cholera, in Le Petit Journal. Cholera (also called Asiatic cholera) is a water-borne disease caused by the bacterium Vibrio cholerae, which are typically ingested by drinking contaminated water, or by eating improperly cooked fish, especially shellfish. It was first described in a scientific manner by the Portuguese physician Garcia de Orta in the 16th century. Europe witnessed several epidemics in the 19th century, but the disease is since mostly seen in ...