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Cholera
Reviewed by Medicinsk Expert•Last updated: 2026-10-22•Infections

Cholera

Cholera is a water‑borne bacterial infection that can cause severe watery diarrhea and rapid dehydration, but prompt fluid replacement is usually curative.

Overview

Cholera is caused by a bacterium that is typically found in water or food contaminated with feces. The disease is rare in the United States but can be acquired when traveling to regions with inadequate water and sewage treatment, or after natural disasters. Direct person‑to‑person spread is unlikely.

Symptoms

Infections are often mild; some individuals experience no symptoms at all. When symptoms do appear, they usually begin 2 to 3 days after exposure. The most common sign is watery diarrhea.

Severe cases present with profuse watery diarrhea, vomiting, and leg cramps. Rapid loss of fluids puts the patient at risk for dehydration and shock, and death can occur within hours without treatment.

Causes & Risk Factors

  • Consumption of water or food contaminated with fecal matter
  • Travel to areas with poor water and sewage infrastructure
  • Exposure after disasters that disrupt sanitation
  • Low likelihood of spread through direct contact with an infected person

Diagnosis

Healthcare providers confirm cholera by analyzing a stool sample or performing a rectal swab.

Treatment & Management

The cornerstone of therapy is replacement of lost fluids and electrolytes, typically with an oral rehydration solution. Patients with severe dehydration may require an I.V. (intravenous) line. In some cases, antibiotics are added to the regimen. Prompt fluid replacement leads to recovery for most individuals.

Prevention

Vaccines are available for adults in the United States, though few Americans need them because most do not travel to active outbreak zones.

Simple preventive measures include:

  • Use only bottled or purified water for drinking, washing dishes, making ice cubes, and brushing your teeth
  • If using tap water, boil it or treat it with iodine tablets
  • Wash your hands frequently with soap and clean water
  • Ensure cooked foods are fully cooked and served hot
  • Avoid unwashed or unpeeled raw fruits and vegetables

Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Frequently Asked Questions

ntibiotics are not mandatory for mild cases but are recommended for severe dehydration or when rapid recovery is desired. Doctors typically prescribe doxycycline or azithromycin for 48–72 hours, especially if the patient is at high risk of complications.
If you develop sudden, profuse watery diarrhea, vomiting, and feel dizzy or weak, seek medical help immediately. Severe dehydration can progress to shock within hours, so prompt evaluation is critical.
Use a commercial oral rehydration solution (ORS) packet dissolved in clean water, or mix 1 liter of clean water with 6 teaspoons of sugar and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Rehydrate slowly, sipping small amounts every few minutes, and replace fluids frequently.
lways drink bottled or boiled water, avoid ice made from tap water, wash hands with soap before eating, and consume foods that are thoroughly cooked and served hot. Use bottled water for brushing teeth and washing produce.===
Source: MedlinePlus, National Library of Medicine

MedlinePlus brings together authoritative health information from the National Library of Medicine (NLM), the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and other government agencies and health-related organizations.

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