What should you know about cholera?

Cholera is caused by bacteria acquired through contaminated food or water. The illness may produce frequent watery stools, vomiting, thirst, muscle cramps and weakness. The main danger is dehydration, because the body loses water and electrolytes quickly. A person can become seriously unwell even when abdominal pain or fever is limited. Diagnosis may use the illness pattern, travel or exposure history and laboratory testing. Diarrhoea has many causes, so treatment should be guided by a clinician.

Start oral rehydration solution if you can drink and follow the product directions. Take frequent small sips, especially after each loose stool. Keep taking fluids while arranging medical assessment, and avoid preparing food for others until advised. A clinician may recommend IV fluid therapy when dehydration is severe, vomiting prevents drinking or fluid losses are continuing. Antibiotics are not suitable for everyone and should only be prescribed after assessment.

Get urgent medical help for very little urine, marked thirst, dizziness, fainting, confusion, sunken eyes, a fast heartbeat, inability to keep fluids down or ongoing watery diarrhoea. Children, older adults, pregnant people and anyone with a long-term illness can deteriorate quickly. Call ahead if cholera is suspected so the facility can advise on safe arrival and infection precautions.

Ask how much oral rehydration solution to take, whether testing is needed, which warning signs require hospital care, how to protect household contacts and when normal food and activities can resume.