What is the cholera virus called?

Vibrio cholerae can enter the body through contaminated food or water. In the intestine, it can lead to watery diarrhoea and sometimes vomiting. The main danger is loss of water and salts, which may cause dehydration and affect circulation. The word virus is therefore inaccurate for cholera: the illness is bacterial, although its symptoms can resemble other infections. A person cannot identify the cause from stool appearance alone, so medical assessment matters when diarrhoea is severe or sudden.

You can read more about [Diarrhoea] and how it may affect the body. Cholera can spread when infected stool contaminates hands, water or food, making careful handwashing and safe drinking water useful protective measures.

Start replacing lost fluids promptly with small, frequent sips of a suitable rehydration drink. [Oral Rehydration Therapy] supplies water and salts in a form designed for intestinal absorption. If drinking is difficult, keep trying tiny sips while arranging medical help. Avoid preparing food for other people while you have diarrhoea, wash hands with soap after using the toilet, and use safe water for drinking and cleaning. A clinician may decide that antibiotics or hospital treatment is needed; do not rely on leftover medicines.

Seek urgent medical care for frequent watery diarrhoea, repeated vomiting, marked thirst, a dry mouth, very little urine, dizziness, unusual sleepiness or confusion. These can signal significant dehydration. Babies, older adults, pregnant people and anyone with a serious long-term illness can become unwell quickly. [IV Fluid Therapy] may be needed when fluid cannot be replaced adequately by mouth. Call emergency services if someone faints, cannot stay awake or cannot drink.

Ask: Could this illness be cholera or another infection? How should I prepare and use oral rehydration fluid? What signs mean I should go to hospital? Do household members need advice about hygiene, testing or monitoring? Which medicines should I avoid while vomiting or having diarrhoea?