Cholera details: symptoms, spread and treatment

Cholera is caused by bacteria that can enter the body through contaminated water or food. Some infected people have mild symptoms, while others develop frequent watery stools and vomiting. The main danger is dehydration: the body loses water and electrolytes faster than they can be replaced. A person can become weak, dizzy, unusually sleepy, thirsty, or confused. Diarrhoea may look pale and watery, but colour alone cannot confirm cholera. A diagnosis depends on the symptoms, exposure history, examination, and sometimes laboratory testing.

Start replacing fluids promptly with carefully prepared oral rehydration solution while arranging medical advice. Take frequent small sips, especially if nausea makes larger drinks difficult. Continue breastfeeding when relevant and offer suitable fluids to children as advised by a clinician. Do not prepare rehydration solution with unsafe water, and do not rely on soft drinks or very sugary drinks. Wash hands with soap after using the toilet and before preparing food; clean shared toilet surfaces and avoid preparing food for other people while unwell. A clinician may recommend antibiotics for some cases, but these do not replace rehydration.

Seek urgent medical care for repeated watery diarrhoea, inability to drink, persistent vomiting, faintness, confusion, very little urine, a dry mouth, sunken eyes, or marked weakness. Babies, young children, older adults, pregnant people, and anyone with a long-term illness can become dehydrated quickly. Emergency treatment may include monitored fluids through a vein when drinking is not enough. Keep taking small sips on the way to care if the person is awake and can swallow safely.

Ask whether testing is needed, which rehydration fluid and amount are suitable, whether any medicine is appropriate, and how to protect household contacts. Tell the clinician when symptoms began, how often stools or vomiting have occurred, what was eaten or drunk, and whether anyone nearby is ill.