Cholera is a bacterial infection of the gut that causes sudden, severe watery diarrhoea. It spreads through water or food contaminated with stool, especially after floods or where sanitation is poor. Cholera can cause dangerous dehydration within hours, but almost everyone survives if fluids are replaced quickly.
Symptoms
Sudden, large amounts of watery diarrhoea, often pale like rice water
Vomiting
Intense thirst
Dry mouth and sunken eyes
Little or no urine
Muscle cramps
Weakness, dizziness or fainting
Causes
Vibrio cholerae bacteria
Drinking unsafe water from wells, rivers or broken pipes
Eating raw or undercooked food washed in contaminated water
Poor sanitation and open defecation
Floods and crowded camps
Prevention
Drink only boiled, chlorinated or bottled water
Wash hands with soap after the toilet, before cooking and before feeding children
Eat food that is cooked and still hot
Talk to a doctor
Get advice by video, voice or chat without leaving home.
Use latrines and keep them away from water sources
Oral cholera vaccine during outbreaks
Treatment
Start oral rehydration solution (ORS) immediately and keep drinking after every loose stool
Keep breastfeeding babies
Severe dehydration needs intravenous fluids at a health facility
A doctor may give antibiotics in severe cases
Zinc for children with diarrhoea, as advised by a health worker
Do not start antibiotics or other prescription medicines without a doctor
Common questions
How do I make ORS at home if I do not have a packet?
ORS packets are best. If you have none, mix 6 level teaspoons of sugar and half a level teaspoon of salt in 1 litre of clean, boiled and cooled water, and go to a clinic as soon as possible.
Should I stop feeding a person with cholera?
No. Give food as soon as the person can eat, and keep breastfeeding babies. Food helps the body recover.
