How cholera affects the body

Cholera bacteria can make the intestine release large amounts of fluid. The resulting watery diarrhoea, sometimes with vomiting, removes water and electrolytes such as sodium and chloride. The body may respond with intense thirst, dry skin or mouth, muscle cramps, tiredness, dizziness, and less urine.

If fluid loss continues, the circulating blood volume can fall. This may cause a fast heartbeat, low blood pressure, confusion, fainting, and reduced blood flow to the kidneys and other organs. Children and frail adults can deteriorate quickly. The severity depends on fluid loss, access to rehydration, and the person’s health.

Oral Rehydration Therapy replaces water and salts in a form the intestine can absorb. Give frequent small sips, including after each loose stool when advised, and continue suitable feeding or breastfeeding. If drinking cannot keep pace with losses or dehydration is severe, clinicians may use IV Fluid Therapy and monitor pulse, blood pressure, urine output, and alertness.

Get urgent care for confusion, fainting, inability to drink, repeated vomiting, minimal urine, cold or clammy skin, severe weakness, or diarrhoea that is continuing rapidly. Do not wait for extreme thirst: dizziness on standing, a dry mouth, and reduced urination can already signal meaningful dehydration. Keep offering oral rehydration if the person is awake and can swallow.

Ask how dehydration will be assessed, whether blood salts or kidney function need checking, how fluids should be continued at home, and what monitoring is needed after symptoms improve.