What is Cholera? Diagnosis and Treatment

Written by Medicover Team and Medically Reviewed by Dr Sateesh Pydi , General Medicine

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1. Causes 2. Find a Doctor 3. Diagnosis 4. Treatment 5. FAQs

Cholera is an infectious disease that causes severe watery diarrhoea, leading to dehydration and even fatality, if left untreated. The cholera bacterium is often found in water or food items contaminated by faeces from people infected with cholera germs. Cholera is most prone to occur and spread in areas with poor water treatment, sanitation, and hygiene. Cholera bacteria can also be found in brackish rivers and coastal waterways. Raw shellfish have been found as a source of infection.

What are the Symptoms of Cholera?

Most cholera patients have moderate to severe symptoms. However, only 10% of infected individuals show severe symptoms within 12 hours to five days after ingesting the bacteria. These signs and symptoms include

Nausea
Sudden diarrhoea
Mild to severe dehydration
Vomiting

Dehydration caused by cholera is often severe. It might result in signs and symptoms such as:

Sunken eyes
Fatigue
Reduced urine output
Moodiness
Dry mouth
Tiredness
Shriveled skin
Extreme thirst
Irregular heart rate
Low blood pressure

What is Cholera in Children?

Usually, children who have cholera show the same symptoms as adults. However, they may also experience:

Severe drowsiness
Fever
Convulsions
Coma

What are the Causes of Cholera?

The bacterium Vibrio cholerae is the main cause of cholera. It is spread mostly through contaminated food and water. When this bacterium enters the human body, it produces a toxin in the small intestine that causes excessive fluid loss.

The following are some common ways this infection spreads:

Contaminated Water: Municipal water supplies or well water are common sources of cholera infection. People living in areas with poor sanitation are at higher risk.
Raw Fruits and Vegetables: These may become contaminated through polluted irrigation water or the use of contaminated fertilizers.
Seafood: Eating raw or undercooked seafood, particularly oysters and crabs, may result in cholera infection.

When to see a Doctor for Cholera?

Although cholera is uncommon in developed countries, cases still occur worldwide. If you develop severe diarrhoea after travelling to a cholera-endemic area or after consuming contaminated food or water, seek immediate medical attention from a General Medicine.

Severe dehydration caused by cholera is a medical emergency and requires immediate treatment. Early diagnosis and prompt medical care can prevent life-threatening complications.

At Medicover, our team of General Medicine provides expert diagnosis, treatment, and supportive care for patients with cholera.

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How is Cholera Diagnosed?

If a patient has severe watery diarrhoea, vomiting, and rapid dehydration, especially after travelling to a cholera-affected region or consuming contaminated seafood, a doctor may suspect cholera.

A stool sample is collected for laboratory testing. However, treatment should begin immediately if cholera is strongly suspected. Rapid cholera dipstick tests may also be used in remote settings to confirm the diagnosis and support early outbreak control.

How is Cholera Treated?

The following are common and effective treatments for cholera:

Oral rehydration salts (ORS) mixed with water
Electrolyte replacement solutions
Intravenous (IV) fluid rehydration
Antibiotics
Zinc supplements

These treatments replace lost fluids, prevent dehydration, and help shorten the duration of diarrhoea.

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What are the Complications of Cholera?

The following are some of the complications that may result from cholera:

Kidney Failure

When the kidneys lose their filtering ability, electrolytes, excess fluids, and waste products accumulate in the body, which can become life-threatening.

Low Blood Sugar Levels

Low blood sugar may occur when patients are unable to eat adequately. Children are particularly vulnerable, and severe cases may lead to seizures, unconsciousness, or coma.

Low Potassium Levels

People with cholera lose significant amounts of potassium through diarrhoea. Low potassium levels can affect heart and nerve function and may become life-threatening.

How can Cholera be Prevented?

If you live in or travel to a cholera-prone area, following proper food safety, hygiene, and sanitation practices can significantly reduce your risk of infection.

Avoid drinking tap water, untreated water, or using ice made from unsafe water.
Do not consume raw or undercooked fish or seafood.
Drink only bottled, boiled, or chemically treated water.
Eat freshly cooked, hot foods whenever possible.
Disinfect water by boiling or using chlorine tablets or iodine as recommended.
Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and clean water before eating and after using the toilet. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are unavailable.

What are the Risk Factors for Cholera?

Although anyone can develop cholera, certain factors increase the likelihood of infection and severe disease.

Unhygienic surroundings: Poor sanitation and contaminated water supplies increase the risk.
Family members who are ill: Close contact with infected individuals increases the chance of transmission.
Low stomach acid levels: Reduced stomach acidity makes it easier for the bacteria to survive.
Type O blood: Individuals with type O blood appear to have a higher risk of severe cholera.
Raw or undercooked seafood: Consuming contaminated shellfish significantly increases the risk of infection.

What are the Dos and Don'ts for Cholera?

Cholera is an acute bacterial infection caused by ingesting food or water contaminated with Vibrio cholerae. Maintaining hydration, good hygiene, and receiving prompt medical care are essential for recovery. Follow these dos and don'ts to reduce complications and prevent infection.

Do's	Don'ts
Use bottled or purified water	Drink untreated tap water
Eat freshly prepared packaged or cooked food	Eat raw meat or unpeeled fruits and vegetables
Keep yourself well hydrated	Drink unpasteurised milk
Use hand sanitizers containing at least 60% alcohol	Ignore proper sanitation and personal hygiene

To recover from cholera, maintain good hydration, follow your doctor's advice, eat safe food, and support your immune system with proper nutrition and medical care.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is cholera, and what are its symptoms?

A bacterial infection called cholera can cause severe diarrhea and dehydration.Leg cramps, vomiting, and watery diarrhea are among the symptoms.

2. When should I seek the help of a cholera specialist?

If you experience symptoms like severe diarrhea and vomiting, especially after traveling to areas with cholera outbreaks, it's crucial to seek medical attention immediately.

3. How can I find the best cholera disease specialist at Medicover?

To learn more about the specialists they have on hand, you can start by going to Medicover's official website or getting in touch with their customer care. You can also seek advice from friends who have experienced comparable medical requirements or your primary care provider.

4. What qualifications should I look for in a cholera specialist?

Ensure the specialist is a licensed and board-certified physician with expertise in infectious diseases or tropical medicine. Look for experience in treating cholera and related illnesses.

5. What tests are typically performed to diagnose cholera?

Cholera is usually diagnosed through a stool sample analysis to detect the presence of the cholera bacteria (Vibrio cholerae).

6. How is cholera treated?

Treatment often involves rehydration through oral rehydration solutions or intravenous fluids. Antibiotics may also be prescribed to reduce the duration and severity of symptoms.

7. Are there preventive measures against cholera?

Cholera vaccines are available and may be recommended for travelers to areas with known cholera outbreaks. Practicing good hygiene, including handwashing and safe food and water consumption, can also help prevent cholera.