Another name for cholera is "blue death."
Cholera, a severe diarrheal illness caused by infection with Vibrio cholerae bacteria, can lead to rapid dehydration. This extreme fluid loss can cause a person's skin to take on a bluish-gray hue, hence the nickname "blue death." This color change is due to the lack of oxygen circulating in the blood as a result of the dehydration. It's important to note that while fever is uncommon in cholera, its presence should raise suspicion for a secondary infection. Prompt rehydration and antibiotic treatment are crucial for survival.