CHAPTER XXVII. 



ASIATIC CHOLERA. CHOLERA NOSTRAS. — CHOLERAIC DIARRH(EA 



FROM MEAT-POISONING. — DYSENTERY. CHOLERAIC DIARRHCEA 



IN FOWLS. 



Asiatic Cholera. 



There are several diseases in man associated with diarrhoea, which 

 have certain characters in common, but are totally distinct. They 

 include Asiatic cholera, cholera nostras, dysentery, and choleraic 

 diarrhoea. Asiatic cholera is an endemic disease of the Delta of 

 the Ganges, a locality which has become notorious as the home 

 of cholera. Cholera is a filth disease ; and the accumulation of 

 filth on the banks of the Ganges, with contamination of the 

 water, and the climate, afford most favourable conditions for the 

 development of the cholera virus. 



Four great cholera epidemics have originated in, and spread 

 from, India: in 1817, in 1826, in 1846, and in 1865. Cholera 

 follows the routes of pilgrims and caravans, and now, owing to 

 the rapid means of communication by steamers and railways, it 

 spreads to the most distant parts of the world, covering in a few 

 weeks or days distances which in former times couldonly be traversed 

 in several months or even years. 



In 1892 the epidemic passed from India, through Afghanistan, 

 to Russia in Asia, and quickly spread westwards along the route 

 of the trans-Caspian railway ; and all this occurred within the space 

 of a few weeks. By Russian emigrants it was carried to Hamburg 

 and Antwerp ; and the virus, finding a suitable environment in the 

 former place, produced a severe epidemic there. Thus, in about three 

 months, it was brought into close proximity with England. Mecca 

 is one of the great infective centres of the world, for there all 

 the conditions are found for the propagation of cholera, including 

 filth, overcrowding, and the water of the famous Holy Well, which 

 is used for ablutions and drinking purposes. The return of 



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