Is cholera contagious?

Vibrio cholerae bacteria are passed in stool. If hands, toilets, water containers, food, or preparation areas become contaminated, another person can swallow the bacteria. This is why cholera can spread where clean water, sewage disposal, and handwashing facilities are limited.

Being near someone with cholera does not by itself mean infection will occur. Risk rises when people share unsafe water or food, touch contaminated surfaces and then eat, or care for someone without washing hands. A person may carry and pass bacteria even when symptoms are mild, so hygiene matters throughout the illness.

Wash hands with soap after using or cleaning a toilet and before eating or preparing food. Use treated water for drinking, cooking, toothbrushing, and washing produce. Keep the ill person's towels and soiled clothing separate, clean bathroom surfaces carefully, and avoid sharing unwashed cups or utensils.

Start oral rehydration therapy for watery diarrhoea while arranging medical care. If drinking is not possible or dehydration is advanced, IV fluid therapy may be required. Read about diarrhoea, oral rehydration therapy, and IV fluid therapy for related guidance.

Seek urgent care for persistent watery diarrhoea, repeated vomiting, severe thirst, faintness, confusion, unusual sleepiness, very little urine, or inability to keep fluids down. If a household contact becomes ill after a shared exposure, contact a clinician promptly and describe the water, food, and sanitation circumstances.

Ask when you can safely return to food preparation, how long to use enhanced hand and bathroom hygiene, whether contacts should be assessed, and how to identify dehydration. Ask which local water source and treatment method are reliable.