What should you know about treatment of cholera in infants?

Cholera can cause sudden, watery diarrhoea and rapid loss of fluid and electrolytes. Infants have limited reserves, so dehydration may develop quickly. Warning signs include a dry mouth, few wet nappies, sunken eyes, unusual sleepiness, weak feeding, cool hands or feet, or a child who is difficult to wake.

A clinician assesses alertness, circulation, breathing, feeding, urine output, and the degree of dehydration. The treatment plan is based on that assessment and may change as losses continue. Do not wait for diarrhoea to stop before seeking care.

Seek medical care promptly and continue breastfeeding. If advised by a clinician, give prepared oral rehydration solution in small, frequent amounts using the recommended method. Follow the packet instructions exactly; homemade mixtures or undiluted products can be unsafe.

Severe dehydration, inability to drink, repeated vomiting, or shock may require IV fluid therapy in a medical setting. Keep the infant warm, note wet nappies and stool frequency, and bring any medicines or fluid products to the assessment. Do not give anti-diarrhoeal medicine unless specifically prescribed.

Go to emergency care for very little urine, marked drowsiness, inability to feed, repeated vomiting, fast or difficult breathing, a weak cry, cold or mottled skin, blood in stool, or worsening watery diarrhoea. These signs can indicate serious dehydration or another urgent illness.

Contact a clinician immediately when an infant has watery diarrhoea, especially after unsafe water or food exposure. Keep offering breastfeeds while arranging care, unless a healthcare professional gives different instructions.

How dehydrated is my infant? Which oral rehydration product and amount should I use? Does my baby need IV fluid therapy or observation? How should breastfeeding continue, and which signs mean we must return urgently?