What should you know about cholera in the world?

Cholera is an intestinal infection acquired when contaminated water or food is swallowed. It can cause sudden watery diarrhoea and vomiting, leading to rapid loss of water and electrolytes. Outbreaks are more likely when clean water, toilets, handwashing facilities or healthcare are disrupted by displacement, flooding, conflict or infrastructure failure.

Risk is shaped by local conditions rather than a person’s identity. People can lower exposure by using treated or sealed water, cooking food thoroughly, washing hands with soap and disposing of faeces safely. [Diarrhoea](/symptoms/diarrhoea/) during an outbreak should be taken seriously.

Use bottled, boiled or appropriately treated water for drinking, brushing teeth, preparing food and making ice. Eat food that is cooked and served hot, peel produce when possible, and avoid food or drinks prepared with uncertain water. Wash hands after using the toilet and before feeding or preparing meals.

If watery diarrhoea begins, start an approved oral rehydration solution and contact a healthcare service promptly. Continue feeding and breastfeeding as tolerated. [Oral Rehydration Therapy](/treatments/acute-and-urgent-care/oral-rehydration-therapy/) replaces lost water and salts; severe dehydration may require [IV Fluid Therapy](/treatments/acute-and-urgent-care/iv-fluid-therapy/). Follow local vaccination and outbreak advice.

Seek urgent medical help for repeated watery stools, inability to drink, persistent vomiting, fainting, confusion, very little urine, extreme weakness, cold or clammy skin, fast breathing or collapse. Children, older adults, pregnant people and those with chronic illness need particularly prompt assessment.

Do not wait for a laboratory result before asking for help if dehydration is developing. Tell the clinician about recent travel, an outbreak area, unsafe water exposure or other ill household members so infection-control advice can be tailored.

Ask which water-treatment method is reliable locally, how to prepare and use oral rehydration solution, whether household contacts need advice, when vaccination is recommended, and which dehydration signs require emergency care.