Cholera

Cholera is a bacterial infection of the small intestine that causes a large amount of watery diarrhea.

Causes

Cholera is caused by the bacteria Vibrio cholerae. These bacteria release a toxin that causes an increased amount of water to be released from cells that line the intestines. This increase in water produces severe diarrhea.

People develop the infection from eating or drinking food or water that contains the cholera germ. Living in or traveling to areas where cholera is present raises the risk of getting it.

Cholera occurs in places with a lack of water treatment or sewage treatment, or crowding, war, and famine. Common locations for cholera include:

• Africa
• Some parts of Asia
• India
• Bangladesh
• Mexico
• South and Central America

Symptoms

Symptoms of cholera can be mild to severe. They include:

• Abdominal cramps

  Abdominal cramps

  Abdominal pain is pain that you feel anywhere between your chest and groin. This is often referred to as the stomach region or belly.

  

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• Dry mucous membranes or dry mouth
• Dry skin
• Excessive thirst
• Glassy or sunken eyes
• Lack of tears
• Lethargy

  Lethargy

  Fatigue is a feeling of weariness, tiredness, or lack of energy.

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• Low urine output
• Nausea
• Rapid dehydration

  Dehydration

  Dehydration occurs when your body does not have as much water and fluids as it needs. Dehydration can be mild, moderate, or severe, based on how much...

  

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• Rapid pulse (heart rate)
• Sunken "soft spots" (fontanelles) in infants
• Unusual sleepiness or tiredness
• Vomiting
• Watery diarrhea that starts suddenly and has a fishy odor

Exams and Tests

Tests that may be done include:

• Blood culture

  Blood culture

  A blood culture is a laboratory test to check for bacteria or other germs in a blood sample.

  

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• Stool culture and Gram stain

  Stool culture

  A fecal culture is a lab test to find organisms in the stool (feces) that can cause gastrointestinal symptoms and disease.

  

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  Gram stain

  A Gram stain is a test used to identify bacteria. It is one of the most common ways to quickly diagnose bacterial infection in the body.

  

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Treatment

The goal of treatment is to replace fluid and salts that are lost through diarrhea. Diarrhea and fluid loss can be fast and extreme. It can be hard to replace lost fluids.

Depending on your condition, you may be given fluids by mouth or through a vein (intravenous, or IV). Antibiotics may shorten the time you feel ill.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has developed packets of salts that are mixed with clean water to help restore fluids. These are cheaper and easier to use than the typical IV fluid. These packets are now being used around the world.

Outlook (Prognosis)

Severe dehydration can cause death. Supportive care is critical. Most people will make a full recovery when they are given enough fluids.

Possible Complications

Complications may include:

• Severe dehydration
• Death

When to Contact a Medical Professional

Contact your health care provider if you develop severe watery diarrhea. Also contact your provider if you have signs of dehydration, including:

• Dry mouth
• Dry skin
• "Glassy" eyes
• No tears
• Rapid pulse
• Reduced or no urine
• Sunken eyes
• Thirst
• Unusual sleepiness or tiredness

Prevention

There is a cholera vaccine available for adults ages 2 to 64 who are traveling to an area with an active cholera outbreak. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention does not recommend the cholera vaccine for most travelers because most people do not travel to areas where cholera is present.

Travelers should always be careful when eating food and drinking water, even if they are vaccinated.

When outbreaks of cholera occur, efforts should be made to establish clean water, food, and sanitation. Vaccination is not very effective in managing outbreaks.