Cholera is a disease in humans caused by an organism (Vibrio cholera) which grows in water around the world. The infection is initially gastrointestinal, causing severe diarrhea which is often fatal. Such illnesses are increasing worldwide. Vibrio is the most common group of infectious organisms found in waters, and they can grow in both fresh and salt water. Of the 80 Vibrio species, 12 are capable of causing human disease.

There is evidence that the increasing frequency of Vibrio-caused illness is the result of warming of the surface temperatures of waters of the Earth (especially in brackish waters along the coasts). Vibrios do grow better in warmer water. There is evidence that recent global warming alters both the exposure to the causative organisms and the susceptibility of humans to infection.

There are about 3 million cases of cholera yearly around the world, and about 2.4% are fatal. Cholera is moving into regions of the world where it has not been found before, including previously colder regions. In fact, colder regions of the world are most affected by global warming.

Diseases of marine life, such as corals and fish, have been connected to global warming and Vibrios infections. Also, Vibrios organisms are believed to be significant in the deaths of coral reefs and Pacific oysters.

CONCLUSION: Warming of water temperatures around the world related to global warming most likely play a role in increased frequency of diarrhea illnesses and marine life illnesses on the whole Earth.

NOTE: Global warming as a result of human activity is widely accepted as fact at this time. There is evidence that the rising and warming sea levels into brackish areas of coasts is mostly the result of the expansion of warmer waters. The full impact of Arctic melts has not yet been felt on coastlines.

Methane from livestock continues to account for 18% of greenhouse gases responsible for the greenhouse effect and global warming. Raising cattle contributes more to global warming than auto usage. Additionally, an airplane flight between east and west coasts of the U.S. accounts for as much of a person’s carbon footprint as does 2/3 of one year’s cost of that person’s electric usage.

There are current widespread problems since 2010 with cholera in Haiti and Cuba, and cholera has been found along the coast of the U.S. on the Gulf of Mexico. In Haiti 9000 people died of cholera where there had not previously been cholera in recorded history. There is evidence that the strain of cholera in Haiti originated in Asia. A peace-keeping force from Nepal under the United Nations has been blamed.

The United Nations has declared immunity from lawsuits, but in August, 2016, accepted some responsibility for the crisis. Lawsuits are being pursued to receive justice for the people who have died and the hundreds of thousands who have suffered from the disease. The epidemic was made worse by the destruction of sewage systems in an Earthquake in 2010.

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PMID: 23280498.

Summary #925. nutrientmedicine