What should you know about cholera parasite?

The organism responsible for cholera is a bacterium, not a worm or other parasite. It can be swallowed in contaminated water or food and may release a toxin in the intestine. That toxin disrupts the movement of water and salts, producing large amounts of watery stool and sometimes vomiting. Symptoms can overlap with other stomach infections, so the symptoms alone cannot identify the exact cause.

The critical problem is dehydration rather than the label used for the organism. Thirst, dizziness, weakness, dry mouth, reduced urine or confusion can signal that losses are becoming dangerous.

Begin a correctly prepared oral rehydration solution in small, frequent sips and seek medical advice promptly if diarrhoea is heavy or continuing. Keep breastfeeding and offer usual food as tolerated. Avoid unsafe water and wash hands with soap after toilet use and before handling food. Do not take leftover antibiotics or anti-diarrhoeal medicines without clinical advice, because the right choice depends on the person's condition.

Information about [Oral Rehydration Therapy](/treatments/acute-and-urgent-care/oral-rehydration-therapy/) explains fluid replacement. Marked dehydration may require [IV Fluid Therapy](/treatments/acute-and-urgent-care/iv-fluid-therapy/).

Seek urgent care for inability to drink, repeated vomiting, fainting, confusion, severe weakness, very little urine or signs of collapse. A child or frail adult can lose fluid quickly, so arrange assessment early rather than waiting for symptoms to settle. Further context is available in [Diarrhoea](/symptoms/diarrhoea/).

Ask whether testing is needed, how to prepare and use oral rehydration solution, whether medicines are suitable, and what changes require emergency care. Mention recent water or food exposure, travel, household symptoms, the amount of urine and any vomiting.