Cholera early symptoms: what to know

The first sign is often watery diarrhoea that may be frequent and difficult to replace with ordinary drinks. Vomiting can occur as well. Losing water and salts together can lead to thirst, a dry mouth, weakness, dizziness, reduced urination, or unusual sleepiness. Fever is not always present, so feeling feverish is not required for cholera to be considered.

A person may become dehydrated faster when they are a young child, an older adult, pregnant, or already unwell. Early symptoms overlap with other causes of diarrhoea, so recent travel, unsafe water or food exposure, and illness in close contacts help a clinician decide what evaluation is needed.

Start an oral rehydration solution according to its instructions, taking small, repeated sips; continue breastfeeding if relevant. Do not wait for diarrhoea to stop before replacing fluids. A clinician may recommend testing and treatment, and severe dehydration may require IV Fluid Therapy. Wash hands with soap and water after using the toilet and before preparing food, and avoid preparing food for others while unwell.

Seek urgent medical care for ongoing watery diarrhoea, repeated vomiting, faintness, confusion, very little urine, inability to drink, marked weakness, or signs of collapse. Treat a child, older person, pregnant person, or someone with a long-term illness as needing prompt assessment. While arranging care, use Oral Rehydration Therapy if the person can swallow safely.

Ask whether the symptoms require a stool test, how much oral rehydration solution to give, which warning signs should trigger emergency care, and how to reduce spread at home.