What should you know about cholera disease transmission?

The bacteria leave an infected person's body in stool and can enter water supplies when sanitation is inadequate. Food may become contaminated during preparation, serving, or storage, especially when hands, utensils, or surfaces are not clean. Raw or poorly washed foods and untreated water can carry the organism. A person can become unwell after swallowing it, although exposure does not always lead to severe illness.

Cholera is not spread by simply being near someone who has it. The practical concern is contact with contaminated material followed by swallowing the bacteria. Safe water, working toilets, careful food handling, and thorough handwashing interrupt that route.

Drink water that has been treated or comes from a trusted safe supply. Use safe water for brushing teeth, making ice, preparing infant feeds, and washing food. Choose food that is cooked thoroughly and served hot; peel fruits yourself when possible. Wash hands with soap after using the toilet and before preparing or eating food. If soap and water are unavailable, use an appropriate hand cleanser until you can wash properly.

If someone in your household has watery diarrhoea, clean contaminated surfaces safely, wash soiled laundry separately, and avoid preparing food for others while ill. Read more about [Diarrhoea](/symptoms/diarrhoea/) and rehydration options such as [Oral Rehydration Therapy](/treatments/acute-and-urgent-care/oral-rehydration-therapy/).

Seek urgent medical care for sudden, profuse watery diarrhoea, repeated vomiting, intense thirst, very little urine, dizziness, unusual sleepiness, confusion, or difficulty drinking. These signs can indicate rapid fluid loss. Do not wait for diarrhoea to stop before seeking help, particularly for a young child, an older adult, or someone who is pregnant or medically frail. While arranging care, use safe oral rehydration solution if the person can drink.

Could my symptoms fit cholera or another intestinal infection? Which water and food precautions should my household follow? How should I prepare and give oral rehydration solution? What signs mean I need hospital-based [IV Fluid Therapy](/treatments/acute-and-urgent-care/iv-fluid-therapy/)?