What Is Cholera?

Cholera is a bacterial infection that’s caused by a organism that thrives in water. People who become truly sick with cholera may become dehydrated very quickly due to dangerous diarrhea and vomiting. Not every person who contracts cholera becomes this sick, but those who do are at risk of dying if they aren’t treated quickly.

Symptoms

A cholera infection can be gentle, with no symptoms. But about 10% of infected people develop severe symptoms, 12 hours to five days after ingesting the bacteria. These symptoms include:

• Diarrhea, or extremely watery poop.
• Intense thirst.
• Lower amounts of urine (pee).
• Muscle cramps.
• Restlessness or irritability.
• Vomiting.
• Weakness.

Causes

The microorganism that causes cholera is a gram-negative bacteria called Vibrio cholerae. A person usually becomes infected with this bacteria by drinking water that’s contaminated with feces from someone else who’s infected. The bacteria also can be transmitted via foods that have been washed or prepared with contaminated water. It sometimes is transmitted via raw or undercooked shellfish. Person-to-person transmission is unlikely.

Treatment

• Rehydration: The cornerstone of cholera treatment is rehydration, which involves replenishing the lost fluids and electrolytes. Oral rehydration solution (ORS) is the preferred method for mild to moderate cases. ORS is a mixture of clean water, salt, and sugar that helps replace the lost fluids and electrolytes. It is readily available and can be given to patients to drink.
• Intravenous Fluids: In severe cases of cholera where dehydration is significant, or in cases where the patient cannot tolerate oral fluids, intravenous (IV) fluids may be required. IV fluids can rapidly restore the body’s fluid balance and electrolyte levels.
• Antibiotics: Antibiotics can help reduce the severity and duration of cholera symptoms. Commonly used antibiotics include doxycycline, azithromycin, and ciprofloxacin. However, antibiotics are not a substitute for rehydration and should be used in conjunction with fluid replacement.
• Zinc Supplementation: Zinc supplements can help shorten the duration of diarrhea and support the immune system. They are often recommended for children.
• Isolation and Hygiene: Cholera is highly contagious, so infected individuals should be isolated to prevent the spread of the disease. Proper hygiene, including handwashing with soap and clean water, is crucial to prevent the contamination of food and water sources.
• Vaccination: Cholera vaccines are available and can provide some protection against the disease. These vaccines are typically recommended for individuals traveling to areas with a high risk of cholera outbreaks.

Prevention Tips

• Safe Water: Drink and use only safe and clean water. Boil water before consumption, treat it with chlorine or iodine tablets, or use a water filter to remove contaminants. Avoid consuming ice made from untreated water.
• Hygiene: Practice good hygiene, especially handwashing with soap and clean water before eating, preparing food, and after using the bathroom. Encourage proper hygiene practices in your community.
• Sanitation: Use proper sanitation facilities. Avoid open defecation and ensure proper disposal of human waste to prevent contamination of water sources.
• Food Safety: Consume only thoroughly cooked hot foods and avoid eating raw or undercooked seafood, especially from potentially contaminated water sources.
• Vegetables and Fruits: Wash and peel fruits and vegetables thoroughly before eating, especially if they will be consumed raw.
• Clean Containers: Ensure that food and water containers are clean and free from contamination.
• Personal Hydration: Drink safe fluids, such as boiled water, bottled water, or beverages made from safe water sources. Avoid consuming untreated water from unknown sources.