Cholera attack: what you should know

A cholera illness episode is an acute intestinal infection caused by Vibrio cholerae. Some people have mild symptoms, while others develop profuse watery stools and vomiting with little warning. The danger comes from losing water and salts faster than they can be replaced. Thirst, dry mouth, weakness, dizziness, reduced urine, or unusual drowsiness can signal dehydration. The illness can spread when stool contaminates hands, food, or water, so careful hygiene protects people nearby.

Begin Oral Rehydration Therapy as soon as possible, taking frequent small sips and continuing after each loose stool. Use a correctly prepared product and safe water. Keep eating light foods if tolerated, and wash hands with soap after toilet use and before preparing food. Arrange same-day medical advice because the required treatment can change quickly. If oral fluids are not enough or cannot be kept down, a clinician may provide IV Fluid Therapy.

Go to urgent care for fainting, confusion, severe weakness, minimal urine, cold or clammy skin, repeated vomiting, inability to drink, or rapidly worsening diarrhoea. Seek help promptly for a child, older adult, pregnant person, or someone with a serious long-term condition. Bring information about symptom onset, recent travel, water and food exposure, and any medicines already taken. Diarrhoea with dehydration should not be managed alone.

Ask how much and how often to drink, whether testing is needed, which signs show worsening dehydration, how to prevent household spread, and when IV fluids or other treatment should be considered.