What does a cholera epidemic mean?

Cholera is an intestinal infection caused by Vibrio cholerae bacteria. During an epidemic, several linked cases occur in a place or population, often where drinking water, sanitation or food handling has been disrupted. The bacteria can pass when swallowed in unsafe water or food contaminated with human waste.

Some infected people have mild illness or no clear symptoms, while others develop sudden, large-volume watery diarrhoea and vomiting. The main danger is rapid loss of water and salts, not fever. A local outbreak does not mean every person with diarrhoea has cholera; diarrhoea has many causes.

Use treated, boiled or sealed safe water for drinking, preparing food, brushing teeth and making ice. Wash hands with soap and safe water after using the toilet and before preparing or eating food. Cook food thoroughly, eat it hot, and avoid raw foods that may have been washed with unsafe water.

If watery diarrhoea starts, begin Oral Rehydration Therapy promptly if available and seek medical advice. Do not wait for thirst: frequent small sips help replace lost fluid. Severe dehydration may require IV Fluid Therapy in a health facility. Follow local public-health instructions about testing, treatment and safe sanitation.

Seek urgent medical care for repeated watery diarrhoea, vomiting that prevents drinking, very little or dark urine, intense thirst, dry mouth, dizziness, unusual sleepiness, confusion, fainting or cold hands and feet. Children, older adults, pregnant people and anyone with a serious medical condition can become dehydrated quickly.

Keep offering oral rehydration on the way to care if the person is awake and able to swallow. Do not give food or drink to someone who is unconscious or having seizures; place them safely on their side and call emergency services.

Ask whether your symptoms need cholera testing, which rehydration product to use, how to protect household members, and whether local outbreak guidance changes where you should seek care.