What should you know about cholera patient?

Cholera can cause sudden watery diarrhoea, vomiting and rapid loss of water and salts. The patient may become very thirsty, tired, dizzy or light-headed, with a dry mouth and less urine than usual. Confusion, unusual sleepiness or difficulty standing can indicate more serious dehydration. Not every patient has the same symptoms, and diarrhoea can have causes other than cholera.

The person should be observed closely, especially after each episode of diarrhoea or vomiting. Record when symptoms began and whether fluids are staying down; these details help the treating team judge the urgency.

Offer frequent small sips of correctly prepared oral rehydration solution. Keep the patient sitting or lying safely if dizzy, and continue breastfeeding or ordinary food when tolerated. Use soap and safe water for handwashing, clean the toilet, wash soiled clothing separately and avoid sharing food or drink. Do not force large amounts at once if vomiting is present.

Guidance on [Oral Rehydration Therapy](/treatments/acute-and-urgent-care/oral-rehydration-therapy/) covers replacement fluids. A clinician may use [IV Fluid Therapy](/treatments/acute-and-urgent-care/iv-fluid-therapy/) when oral intake is not enough.

Get urgent medical help if the patient cannot drink, keeps vomiting, passes very little urine, becomes faint, confused or severely weak, or has a very dry mouth. Call emergency services for collapse, inability to wake or severe breathing difficulty. Background on the symptom is available in [Diarrhoea](/symptoms/diarrhoea/).

Ask how often to offer rehydration solution, which signs show improvement, whether the patient needs observation or testing, what food and fluids are suitable, and how to protect other household members. Bring a list of medicines and describe urine output and vomiting.