Cholera is an extremely virulent disease that kills an estimated 100,000-120,000 people every year. Outbreaks are typically found in countries that do not have advanced water treatment and purification facilities and/or immediately following a natural disaster which allows for the spread of contaminated water and food in the aforementioned nations. Thanks to advanced water purification and treatment and proper sanitation, outbreaks of cholera are all but non-existent in developed countries. The pharmaceutical company PaxVax, which on its website advertises its products as “Better vaccines to better the world”, has applied to start clinical trials for a “genetically modified live bacterial vaccine against cholera” in Australia, with plans for further trials in Canada and the United States as well. PaxVax claims that its vaccine is “socially responsible” and “ideal for travelers to cholera endemic areas”.
Source: Christina Sarich, “GMO Cholera Bacteria to Be Released in Australia, Canada, U.S.,” Global Research, November 1, 2014, http://www.globalresearch.ca/gmo-cholera-bacteria-to-be-released-in-australia-canada-u-s/5411231.
Student Researcher: Adam Cox (Indian River State College)
Faculty Evaluator: Elliot D. Cohen (Indian River State College)