What should you know about the main cause of cholera?

The bacteria can produce toxins in the small intestine, causing the body to release large amounts of water and salts into the bowel. This may lead to sudden, watery diarrhoea and vomiting. Infection is more likely where drinking water, food handling, or sanitation is unsafe. Cholera can spread when faecal matter contaminates water or food, so careful handwashing and safe water reduce transmission. The illness is treatable, but the main danger is dehydration rather than the bowel symptoms alone.

Start replacing fluids with properly prepared Oral Rehydration Therapy while arranging medical advice. Continue taking small, frequent sips if nausea makes drinking difficult, and keep food preparation separate from care for the unwell person. A clinician may test the illness, assess hydration, and decide whether antibiotics or hospital care are needed. Severe dehydration may require IV Fluid Therapy. Do not wait for thirst if watery diarrhoea is continuing.

Seek urgent medical care for repeated watery diarrhoea, inability to drink, repeated vomiting, faintness, confusion, very little urine, a dry mouth, sunken eyes, or marked weakness. Babies, older adults, pregnant people, and anyone with a long-term illness can become dehydrated quickly. Contact a healthcare service promptly if cholera is suspected after exposure to unsafe water or during a local outbreak.

How dehydrated am I? Which rehydration solution should I use? Do I need testing or antibiotics? Could I need IV Fluid Therapy? How should I protect household members and make drinking water safe?