What should you know about cholera food poisoning?

Food poisoning describes illness after consuming contaminated food or drink; several germs and toxins can cause it. Cholera is one particular bacterial infection, usually acquired through contaminated water or food. Both can bring nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, or diarrhoea, but cholera is especially concerning for rapid loss of water and salts. Symptoms alone cannot identify the cause, so tell a clinician what you ate, drank, and when symptoms began.

Start oral rehydration solution, taking small sips often, and use safe water for drinking and food preparation. Keep a record of urine, vomiting, and diarrhoea, and avoid preparing food for others while ill. Review [Food Poisoning](/conditions/food-poisoning/), [Nausea](/symptoms/nausea/), and [Vomiting](/symptoms/vomiting/) for related symptom guidance. A clinician may choose tests or treatment based on the illness pattern.

Seek urgent care for fainting, confusion, extreme weakness, very little urine, intense thirst, a dry mouth, repeated vomiting, blood in stool, or inability to keep fluids down. Also seek advice for fever, persistent abdominal pain, or diarrhoea in a vulnerable person. [IV Fluid Therapy](/treatments/acute-and-urgent-care/iv-fluid-therapy/) may be needed when drinking is not effective.

Ask whether the illness needs testing, which symptoms should trigger emergency care, and how to manage food and drink safely at home.