What should you know about cases of cholera?

Cholera is an intestinal infection that may produce frequent, painless, watery stools and vomiting. The main danger is dehydration: the body loses water and electrolytes faster than they can be replaced. Warning features include intense thirst, dry mouth, very little urine, dizziness, unusual sleepiness, weakness or a fast heartbeat. Diarrhoea has many causes, so symptoms alone cannot confirm cholera; testing and local public-health advice may be needed.

Start small, frequent sips of an oral rehydration solution while arranging urgent medical advice. Continue breastfeeding or usual feeding when possible. Avoid relying on plain water alone if losses are heavy, and do not prepare rehydration mixtures with guesses about ingredients. Wash hands carefully, use safe drinking water and avoid preparing food for others until a clinician advises that it is safe. Severe dehydration may require IV Fluid Therapy.

Seek urgent care for repeated watery stools, ongoing vomiting, faintness, confusion, marked weakness, little or no urine, inability to drink, or signs of dehydration in a child, older adult or someone with another illness. Emergency assessment is especially important if the person cannot keep fluids down or becomes difficult to wake. Bring details of stool frequency, fluid intake, urine output and recent travel or shared-water exposure.

Ask whether testing is needed, which rehydration plan fits the illness, whether antibiotics are appropriate, and how to protect household contacts. Confirm when normal food, work, school and food preparation can resume.