Understanding Cholera
Cholera is an acute diarrheal infection caused by ingestion of food or water contaminated with the bacterium Vibrio cholerae.
Key Fact: Cholera can cause severe dehydration and even death within hours if left untreated.
Common Symptoms
Profuse Diarrhea
Frequent, watery stools that often have a 'rice-water' appearance.
Severe Vomiting
Repeated vomiting that contributes significantly to fluid loss.
Muscle Cramps
Cramping caused by rapid loss of salts such as sodium, chloride, and potassium.
Low Blood Pressure
A drop in blood pressure resulting from severe dehydration and shock.
Risk Factors
- Lack of safe drinking water
- Poor sanitation and hygiene
- Living in refugee camps or disaster areas
- Raw or undercooked shellfish
Diagnosis & Treatment
Diagnosis
Rapid diagnosis is essential through stool sample testing in a laboratory.
Stool Culture
Rapid Diagnostic Test (RDT)
Dark-field Microscopy
Serotyping
Common Treatments
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Oral Rehydration (ORS): The prompt administration of ORS to replace lost fluids and electrolytes.
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IV Fluids: Immediate intravenous rehydration for severely dehydrated or shocked patients.
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Zinc Supplements: Zinc has been shown to reduce the duration of diarrhea in children with cholera.