What should you know about bacterial disease cholera?

Cholera is caused by bacteria that can enter the body through contaminated food or water. The illness may begin with diarrhoea and can lead to dehydration, weakness, dizziness, dry mouth, or reduced urination as water and salts leave the body. Vomiting may add to the fluid loss. Cholera can become serious quickly, particularly for young children, older adults, pregnant people, and anyone already medically vulnerable.

A diagnosis is considered alongside symptoms, exposure history, and examination. Other infections can also cause diarrhoea, so a clinician may decide whether testing or specific treatment is needed.

Start replacing fluids while arranging medical advice. Small, frequent sips of an appropriate rehydration solution can replace water and salts more effectively than plain water alone. Oral Rehydration Therapy may be advised when you can drink, while IV Fluid Therapy may be needed when dehydration is severe or drinking is not possible. Avoid preparing improvised mixtures unless a clinician gives clear instructions.

Wash hands carefully after using the bathroom and before preparing food. Use safe drinking water, avoid preparing meals for others while unwell, and follow the treatment plan given by a clinician.

Seek urgent medical care for persistent watery diarrhoea, repeated vomiting, faintness, confusion, marked weakness, very little urine, a fast heartbeat, or difficulty drinking. These can signal significant dehydration. Do not wait for symptoms to settle if you have had a possible contaminated-water or food exposure and diarrhoea is severe.

Ask whether your fluid losses suggest dehydration, whether testing is needed, which rehydration solution to use, and how to reduce the risk of passing infection to household members.