Causes, symptoms, and prevention of cholera

The infection affects the intestine and draws water and salts into the bowel. Diarrhoea may be very watery and frequent, with vomiting, thirst, weakness, dry mouth, dizziness, reduced urination, or muscle cramps. The main danger is loss of fluid and electrolytes rather than the bowel symptoms alone. Infection spreads when drinking water or food becomes contaminated with faecal matter, especially where sanitation or handwashing is limited. Some infected people have mild illness, while others deteriorate quickly.

Begin Oral Rehydration Therapy promptly if diarrhoea starts and use the prepared solution exactly as directed. Continue small, frequent sips, including after each loose stool, and keep breastfeeding if relevant. Use safe treated water, wash hands with soap after using the toilet and before preparing food, and cook food thoroughly. Avoid preparing food for others while unwell. Medical teams may give antibiotics in selected cases, but fluid replacement remains central. Severe dehydration may require IV Fluid Therapy in a healthcare setting.

Seek urgent care for profuse watery diarrhoea, repeated vomiting, confusion, fainting, inability to drink, very little urine, sunken eyes, cold or clammy skin, or marked weakness. Young children, older adults, pregnant people, and anyone with a chronic illness can become dehydrated quickly. Do not wait for diarrhoea to stop before arranging assessment. Read more about [Diarrhoea], [Oral Rehydration Therapy], and [IV Fluid Therapy].

How dehydrated am I, and how much rehydration solution should I take? Do I need testing, antibiotics, or IV fluids? How can my household reduce the chance of spread, and when can I safely prepare food again?