Overview
Cholera is a bacterial infection of the small intestine, usually spread through water or food contaminated with sewage. It causes sudden, profuse watery diarrhea — classically like rice water — and can lead to dangerous dehydration within hours if fluids are not replaced. With prompt rehydration (ORS or intravenous fluids) and antibiotics where needed, almost everyone recovers fully.
Symptoms
- Sudden, painless, profuse watery diarrhea ('rice-water' stools)
- Nausea and vomiting
- Rapid dehydration — intense thirst, dry mouth, sunken eyes
- Muscle cramps from salt loss
When to see a doctor
Start ORS immediately and see a doctor the same day if diarrhea is profuse or watery like rice water. Cholera can dehydrate a person within hours.
Emergency — call 108 or go to the nearest hospital
- Very little or no urine, sunken eyes, rapid heartbeat or confusion
- Unable to keep fluids down due to vomiting
- In children and older adults, any sign of dehydration — go to a hospital immediately or call 108
Causes
Drinking water or eating food contaminated with Vibrio cholerae bacteria, typically where sanitation has broken down or during floods.