What should you know about cholera mosquito?

Cholera is caused by a bacterium that can contaminate drinking water, ice, food, or surfaces when sanitation is inadequate. A mosquito bite is not the route of infection. The practical concern is swallowing the organism, followed in some people by sudden, profuse watery diarrhoea and vomiting. Those symptoms can remove fluid and salts rapidly. Learn more about [Diarrhoea](/symptoms/diarrhoea/).

Drink water from a reliably safe source, or treat it using a method recommended by local health authorities. Wash hands with soap after using the toilet and before preparing or eating food. Eat food that is thoroughly cooked and served hot; wash or peel produce when its water safety is uncertain. If illness starts, use an appropriate rehydration solution and arrange medical assessment. [Oral Rehydration Therapy](/treatments/acute-and-urgent-care/oral-rehydration-therapy/) can replace water and salts, while [IV Fluid Therapy](/treatments/acute-and-urgent-care/iv-fluid-therapy/) may be needed for severe dehydration.

Get urgent help for frequent watery diarrhoea, ongoing vomiting, faintness, confusion, unusual sleepiness, very little urine, or inability to keep fluids down. These signs point to significant dehydration rather than to a mosquito-borne illness. Avoid preparing food for others while you have diarrhoea, and follow local clinical advice about testing and infection control.

Ask whether your symptoms require cholera testing, which water treatment method is suitable, how long to use rehydration fluids, and how to protect household members.