What should you know about salmonella cholera?

Salmonella commonly affects the gut after contaminated food or water is swallowed. Cholera is caused by a different bacterium and can produce large amounts of watery diarrhoea, with dehydration developing quickly. A symptom such as diarrhoea does not by itself identify the germ responsible. Testing a stool sample may help clinicians distinguish causes when illness is severe, prolonged, linked to travel, or occurring in a group.

Watch for thirst, dry mouth, reduced urination, dizziness, weakness or unusual sleepiness. These can signal fluid loss. Read more about [Diarrhoea](/symptoms/diarrhoea/).

Take frequent small sips of a suitable rehydration drink, especially after each loose stool or episode of vomiting. [Oral Rehydration Therapy](/treatments/acute-and-urgent-care/oral-rehydration-therapy/) replaces water and salts more appropriately than relying on plain water alone. Continue light foods if tolerated and wash hands carefully after using the toilet. Avoid preparing food for others while diarrhoea continues. A clinician may recommend tests or antibiotics based on the suspected infection, age, health conditions and examination; do not self-start leftover antibiotics.

Seek urgent medical help for fainting, confusion, inability to keep fluids down, very little urine, severe weakness, blood in stool, or rapidly worsening watery diarrhoea. Infants, older adults, pregnant people and anyone with a long-term illness can become dehydrated sooner. If oral fluids are not enough, [IV Fluid Therapy](/treatments/acute-and-urgent-care/iv-fluid-therapy/) may be needed in a medical setting.

Ask which infection is suspected, whether a stool test is useful, how to measure hydration at home, and when it is safe to return to work, school or food preparation. Mention recent travel, untreated water, sick contacts, medicines and any blood in the stool.