What should you know about the bacteria that causes cholera?

The bacterium produces a toxin in the small intestine. This draws water and salts into the bowel, causing sudden, profuse watery diarrhoea and sometimes vomiting. Fluid loss can become dangerous quickly, with thirst, dry mouth, weakness, dizziness, cramps, and reduced urine.

Cholera spreads when contaminated water or food is swallowed. Poor sanitation and unsafe handling allow the organism to move between people. A person can pass infection even when symptoms are mild, so careful hygiene protects household members.

Start oral rehydration solution as soon as watery diarrhoea begins, taking frequent sips even if nausea is present. Continue breastfeeding and offer appropriate fluids to children while arranging medical assessment. Wash hands with soap after using the toilet and before preparing food; use safe water and cook food thoroughly.

Medical teams may use IV Fluid Therapy when dehydration is severe or oral fluids cannot replace losses. Antibiotics may be considered by a clinician for selected cases, but they do not replace rehydration.

Seek urgent medical care for repeated watery stools, inability to drink, faintness, confusion, very little urine, sunken eyes, extreme weakness, or a child who becomes unusually sleepy. Tell the clinician about recent travel, unsafe water exposure, and anyone else at home with diarrhoea.

Could this be cholera or another infection? Which rehydration fluid should I use? Do I need IV treatment or antibiotics? How can I reduce the chance of passing it to my family?