What should you know about cholera painting?

Cholera is caused by bacteria that can enter the body through contaminated water or food. The illness may produce frequent, watery stools and vomiting. Its main danger is dehydration: the body loses water and salts faster than they can be replaced. A person can become weak, dizzy, unusually thirsty, confused or unable to pass much urine. The appearance of diarrhoea alone does not confirm cholera, because many infections can cause similar symptoms.

Prompt assessment matters when watery diarrhoea is heavy, sudden or occurring alongside vomiting. A clinician may ask about recent travel, household illness, water exposure and food, then decide whether testing or additional treatment is needed.

Start replacing fluids while arranging medical advice. Take frequent small sips of an oral rehydration solution prepared exactly as directed; it replaces both water and salts. Continue breastfeeding or usual feeding when possible. Avoid relying on very sugary drinks, alcohol or unverified home mixtures. Wash hands with soap and safe water after using the toilet and before preparing food, and do not prepare food for others while unwell.

Severe dehydration may require monitored fluids through a vein, such as [IV Fluid Therapy](/treatments/acute-and-urgent-care/iv-fluid-therapy/). Oral rehydration is explained in [Oral Rehydration Therapy](/treatments/acute-and-urgent-care/oral-rehydration-therapy/).

Seek urgent medical care for repeated watery stools, ongoing vomiting, faintness, confusion, marked weakness, very little urine, a dry mouth or inability to drink. Children, older adults, pregnant people and anyone with a long-term illness can deteriorate quickly. Emergency help is also needed if the person is difficult to wake, collapses or cannot keep fluids down. For background on the symptom, see [Diarrhoea](/symptoms/diarrhoea/).

Ask whether the symptoms suggest cholera or another cause, how much oral rehydration to take, whether a sample is needed, and which warning signs should prompt immediate return. Tell the clinician when the diarrhoea began, how often it occurs, whether vomiting is present, and what fluids have been taken.