Cholera symptoms and prevention

Cholera is spread when food or water is contaminated with the bacterium that causes the infection. Some infected people have mild symptoms, while others develop large amounts of watery diarrhoea, vomiting, thirst, weakness, muscle cramps, or reduced urine. Dehydration can develop quickly because the body loses both water and salts. The symptom pattern can overlap with other causes of diarrhoea, so a clinician may need to assess the person and local exposure history.

Drink water that has been treated, boiled, or supplied safely, and store it in a clean covered container. Wash hands with soap after using the toilet and before preparing or eating food. Cook food thoroughly, eat it while hot, and wash produce with safe water; avoid raw seafood and food kept at unsafe temperatures. Use a toilet or latrine and clean spills safely. If diarrhoea starts, begin Oral Rehydration Therapy and avoid sharing towels, utensils, or unwashed food.

Get urgent medical help for frequent watery stools, repeated vomiting, faintness, confusion, severe weakness, very little urine, a dry tongue, or inability to drink. A child who is unusually sleepy, has no tears, or is difficult to wake needs prompt assessment. While travelling or during an outbreak, contact local health services early and tell them about possible contaminated water or food exposure. Do not delay because the illness began recently.

Ask whether your symptoms need testing, which water sources are safe, how to prepare rehydration fluids, and whether household contacts need advice. Tell the clinician about travel, shared meals, untreated water, pregnancy, and existing medical conditions.