Rice-water diarrhoea and cholera: what should you know?

The stool may look cloudy and watery, sometimes with small flecks, and is often not accompanied by strong cramping. Cholera is an infection of the intestine that can lead to rapid dehydration. The appearance alone cannot confirm the cause; other infections can produce watery diarrhoea too. The diarrhoea guide explains related symptoms and monitoring.

Begin Oral Rehydration Therapy immediately if the person is awake and able to drink. Give frequent small sips, continuing after each loose stool or vomiting episode. Keep offering breast milk to infants. Use safe water and follow the preparation instructions on the product. Avoid relying on undiluted juice, fizzy drinks, or homemade mixtures with uncertain amounts of salt. A clinician may prescribe treatment after assessment and local testing.

Go to urgent care promptly for repeated watery stools, inability to drink, sunken eyes, a dry mouth, marked weakness, fainting, confusion, cold hands or feet, or very little urine. Babies, older adults, pregnant people, and anyone with another serious illness can deteriorate quickly. IV Fluid Therapy may be required when oral replacement is insufficient.

Ask which rehydration product and amount are suitable, whether testing is needed, and how to protect household members. Tell the clinician when the diarrhoea began, how often it is occurring, and whether urine output has fallen.