What should you know about cholera cases worldwide?

Cholera transmission is more likely when drinking water, sewage systems or food safety controls are disrupted. Flooding, displacement, crowded living conditions and interruptions to health services can make safe water and sanitation harder to maintain. Risk is not the same in every neighbourhood or throughout every season, so travel advice should be specific to the destination and current local guidance.

The illness ranges from mild diarrhoea to sudden large-volume watery diarrhoea with dangerous fluid loss. A travel history helps a clinician interpret symptoms, but diarrhoea can have many causes and does not by itself confirm cholera.

When visiting or living in an area with cholera transmission, drink treated, bottled or boiled water and use it for brushing teeth and making ice. Choose food that is cooked thoroughly and served hot; wash hands with soap and avoid food or drinks whose water safety is uncertain. If diarrhoea starts, use oral rehydration therapy promptly and contact a healthcare service for advice about testing and treatment.

Seek urgent assessment for watery diarrhoea with faintness, severe weakness, confusion, very little urine, a racing heartbeat, inability to drink or repeated vomiting. These signs indicate possible dehydration rather than a need to identify the exact cause at home. Young children, older adults, pregnant people and those with chronic disease can deteriorate quickly. IV fluid therapy may be needed when oral replacement cannot keep up with losses.

Ask about current risk at your destination, safe water options, symptoms that require emergency care and whether a stool test is appropriate. If you recently travelled, mention where you stayed, when symptoms began and whether anyone else became ill.