Main symptoms of cholera

The diarrhoea may be very watery and frequent, sometimes described as having a pale, cloudy appearance. Vomiting can make fluid loss harder to replace. Dehydration may show as intense thirst, dry mouth, weakness, dizziness, reduced urination, sunken eyes, or a fast heartbeat. Fever is not always present. Cholera symptoms can overlap with other intestinal infections, and a clinician may need to assess the illness and exposure history.

Start small, frequent sips of oral rehydration solution while arranging medical care. Continue breastfeeding if relevant and use safe drinking water. Avoid waiting for thirst to become severe. Treatment may include oral rehydration therapy; people with significant dehydration, persistent vomiting, or inability to drink may need IV fluid therapy in a medical setting.

Seek urgent care for repeated watery stools, ongoing vomiting, confusion, faintness, very little urine, inability to drink, or signs of severe weakness. Children, older adults, pregnant people, and anyone with a chronic illness can become dehydrated quickly. Emergency help is needed if the person is difficult to wake, collapses, or cannot safely swallow fluids.

Ask how much oral rehydration solution to take, whether testing or antibiotics are needed, how to protect household contacts, and which symptoms mean treatment must move to a hospital.