Overview
Cholera can cause severe watery diarrhoea that leads to dangerous dehydration within hours. With prompt rehydration, almost everyone recovers.
Symptoms
- Sudden, large amounts of watery diarrhoea, sometimes described as rice-water stools
- Vomiting
- Leg cramps
- Signs of dehydration: thirst, dry mouth, little urine, sunken eyes and weakness
Causes and risk factors
It spreads through contaminated water and food, particularly where sanitation and clean drinking water are limited.
Diagnosis
A stool test confirms the infection, but treatment should start immediately based on symptoms.
Treatment
The key treatment is replacing fluids and salts with oral rehydration solution. Severe cases need fluids through a drip. Antibiotics and zinc for children may also be given. Safe water, hand washing and vaccination help prevent it.
When to see a doctor
Seek urgent care for severe watery diarrhoea, especially with vomiting, signs of dehydration, or in young children and older adults.
This information is for general education and does not replace advice from a qualified doctor. For a medical emergency, call +92-51-8446666 or go to the nearest emergency department.
