Cholera
Cholera is a bacterial intestinal infection that can cause sudden severe watery diarrhea and dangerous dehydration.
About cholera
Cholera is a bacterial intestinal infection that can cause sudden severe watery diarrhea and dangerous dehydration.
What can cause it?
Cholera is caused by toxin-producing Vibrio cholerae in contaminated food or water.
Profuse watery diarrhea can cause life-threatening fluid and salt loss within hours.
What a patient may notice
Symptoms vary from person to person. Possible signs may include:
- Large amounts of watery diarrhea
- Vomiting and muscle cramps
- Intense thirst, weakness, or very little urine
How clinicians find the cause
Travel and exposure history are important. Stool testing confirms the infection; blood tests assess dehydration and electrolytes in severe illness.
Treatment and next steps
- 1
Rapid oral rehydration is lifesaving; severe dehydration requires IV fluids.
- 2
Antibiotics may shorten severe disease and are chosen by clinicians according to local resistance.
- 3
Food and fluids should continue as tolerated.
Supporting recovery
- Use properly prepared oral rehydration solution rather than plain water alone for heavy diarrhea.
- Use strict hand hygiene and safe disposal of stool.
What to expect
Most people recover fully when lost fluid and salts are replaced promptly. Severe cholera can cause extreme dehydration and death within hours when treatment is delayed. Continued drinking, nutrition, and monitoring are important until diarrhea and urine output return toward normal.
Possible complications
- Severe dehydration with low blood pressure, shock, or kidney injury
- Dangerous electrolyte changes that may cause weakness, muscle cramps, or abnormal heart rhythm
- Death when large fluid losses are not replaced quickly enough
When to Contact a Medical Professional
A same-day medical evaluation is recommended, especially when symptoms are severe, worsening, or accompanied by fever, vomiting, weakness, or significant pain.
Severe dehydration, fainting, confusion, rapid heartbeat, inability to drink, or very little urine requires emergency care.Get emergency help for severe trouble breathing, new chest pressure, fainting, seizure, sudden weakness on one side, uncontrolled bleeding, blue or gray lips, or a person who is difficult to wake.
Ways to lower risk
- Use safe water and food practices; oral cholera vaccine may be recommended for certain travelers.
- Follow public-health instructions during outbreaks.
Trusted health information
This CHS patient-education page uses original wording and links to MedlinePlus for additional information.