World Cholera Day: what you should know

Cholera is an intestinal infection that can cause sudden, watery diarrhoea and substantial fluid loss. It spreads when food or water is contaminated with stool containing the bacteria. Awareness efforts focus on dependable drinking water, hand hygiene, sanitation, and recognising dehydration early. Cholera can affect people of any age, and illness may become serious when lost fluids and salts are not replaced.

A person with cholera may pass frequent loose stools and may also vomit. Thirst, a dry mouth, reduced urination, marked weakness, dizziness, or unusual sleepiness can signal dehydration.

Use water from a safe source for drinking, ice, preparing food, and brushing teeth. Wash hands with soap and safe water after using the toilet and before handling food. Choose food that is cooked thoroughly and served hot, and wash produce with safe water where appropriate. If diarrhoea starts, begin replacing fluids promptly with a prepared oral rehydration solution when available, following the packet instructions.

Keep drinking in small, frequent amounts if nausea makes larger drinks difficult. Young children, older adults, and people who are frail can lose fluids quickly, so do not wait for symptoms to become severe before arranging assessment.

Seek urgent medical care for profuse watery diarrhoea, repeated vomiting, confusion, fainting, inability to drink, very little urine, or signs of severe dehydration. These symptoms need prompt assessment and fluid replacement. A clinician can decide whether oral rehydration is enough or whether IV fluids and additional treatment are needed.

Ask which dehydration signs to watch for at home, how to prepare and give an oral rehydration solution, and whether anyone in the household needs assessment. If you are travelling, ask how to reduce exposure to unsafe water and food at your destination.