What does diarrhoea feel like with cholera?

Cholera diarrhoea is typically very watery and may be passed repeatedly with little warning. People can develop intense thirst, dry mouth, weakness, dizziness or muscle cramps as fluid and salts leave the body. Vomiting may add to the fluid loss. The stool may look pale and cloudy, but appearance alone cannot confirm cholera.

Cholera is linked to contaminated food or water, and other illnesses can also cause watery diarrhoea. A person with diarrhoea needs assessment based on the severity of fluid loss and exposure history, not on stool appearance alone. See the Diarrhoea page for general symptom information.

Start replacing fluids with oral rehydration solution while arranging medical care, taking frequent small sips if vomiting is present. Continue offering fluids to a child who is alert and able to drink. Use safe water, wash hands with soap and avoid preparing food for others until advice is received. Do not delay care while trying home remedies.

Seek urgent medical care for profuse watery diarrhoea, fainting, confusion, extreme weakness, very little urine, sunken eyes, inability to drink or repeated vomiting. A person who becomes difficult to wake or cannot sit or stand safely needs emergency help. Tell the service about recent travel, unsafe water or illness in close contacts.

Ask how to prepare oral rehydration solution safely, whether testing is needed and which warning signs should trigger immediate return. Mention the timing of symptoms, fluid intake, urine output and any possible contaminated food or water.