What should you know about cholera spread from person to person?

A person with cholera can release bacteria in watery stool and vomit. If handwashing, toilet facilities, water treatment, or cleaning is inadequate, tiny amounts of contamination can reach drinking water, food, utensils, or another person’s hands. Swallowing the bacteria can then cause infection. Ordinary close contact, breathing the same air, or sitting near someone is not the usual route. Symptoms may include profuse watery diarrhoea and vomiting, but a person can spread contamination before the household understands the cause. For symptom context, see [Diarrhoea](/symptoms/diarrhoea/).

Wash hands with soap and safe water after using the toilet, after cleaning vomit or stool, and before preparing or eating food. Use a toilet or latrine where available, clean contaminated surfaces safely, wash soiled laundry separately, and avoid preparing food for others while ill. Drink treated or safely bottled water and eat food that is thoroughly cooked or can be peeled. Start oral rehydration promptly for the unwell person. [Oral Rehydration Therapy](/treatments/acute-and-urgent-care/oral-rehydration-therapy/) can replace lost water and salts; [IV Fluid Therapy](/treatments/acute-and-urgent-care/iv-fluid-therapy/) may be required when severe dehydration prevents drinking.

Seek urgent care for repeated watery stools, ongoing vomiting, inability to drink, faintness, confusion, very little urine, or marked weakness. Arrange prompt assessment if someone in the household develops symptoms after contact with a person who has suspected cholera. Tell the healthcare team about the shared exposure so they can advise on monitoring, testing, hygiene, and care for contacts. Do not wait for dehydration to become obvious in a young child, older adult, pregnant person, or someone with serious illness.

How should our household clean toilets, surfaces, and laundry? Should close contacts be assessed? What water and food precautions should we follow? Which symptoms require immediate fluid treatment?