What type of disease is cholera?

It is infectious because a bacterium causes it, intestinal because the main effects occur in the bowel, and acute because symptoms can appear and worsen over a short period. The bacterium may release a toxin that draws water and salts into the intestine. This can produce large-volume watery stools, sometimes with vomiting, while fever may be absent. The key clinical concern is dehydration rather than the appearance of the stool alone.

Use a correctly prepared oral rehydration solution and offer it in repeated small sips. Continue breastfeeding and suitable food if tolerated. Keep hands, toilets, laundry, and shared surfaces clean, and do not handle food for others while experiencing diarrhoea. A clinician may check hydration, arrange testing, and consider targeted treatment. Information about [Oral Rehydration Therapy](/treatments/acute-and-urgent-care/oral-rehydration-therapy/) explains the purpose of replacing lost fluid and salts.

Arrange urgent assessment for repeated watery stools, persistent vomiting, inability to drink, fainting, confusion, worsening weakness, no or very little urine, or cold, clammy skin. A child, older person, pregnant person, or person with chronic illness may need help sooner. If oral replacement cannot keep pace with losses, a medical team may use [IV Fluid Therapy](/treatments/acute-and-urgent-care/iv-fluid-therapy/). Review [Diarrhoea](/symptoms/diarrhoea/) for symptom context.

Ask what features make cholera more likely in your situation, whether laboratory testing is needed, how to measure whether rehydration is working, whether prescription treatment is suitable, and how to reduce spread at home.