Quick overview of the symptoms of cholera
You might experience these symptoms as a result of cholera infection. These symptoms might occur 12 hours to 5 days after exposure.
- Watery diarrhoea, described as having a ‘rice-water’ appearance.
- Upset stomach and vomiting.
- Dehydration.
- Severe thirst and dry mouth.
- Fatigue.
- Muscle cramps or weakness.
- Dizziness
- Infrequent urination.
- Dry, shriveled skin
- Sunken eyes
- Abdominal cramps
- Low blood pressure.
- Increased heart rate
- Electrolyte imbalance
If you notice any symptoms, it is recommended to see your doctor right away.
What exactly is cholera?
Cholera is a bacterial disease that primarily spreads through contaminated water, but can also be transmitted through contaminated food. It often causes severe diarrhea and dehydration. Without prompt treatment, it can be fatal within hours, even for healthy people.
Modern sewage and water treatment have nearly eradicated cholera in developed nations. Nonetheless, it remains a problem in regions of Africa, South and Southeast Asia, and Latin America. The risk of outbreaks increases when communities face poverty, conflict, or natural calamities. Such situations often lead to overcrowded living conditions with inadequate sanitation.
Cholera is easily treatable. Death caused by severe dehydration can be avoided using a simple, inexpensive rehydration solution.
What are the causes of a cholera infection?
Vibrio cholerae, a type of bacteria, causes cholera infection. The disease’s severe effects are due to a toxin produced by the bacteria in the small intestine. This toxin prompts the body to swiftly expel large quantities of water, resulting in diarrhea and rapid loss of fluids and salts.
Cholera bacteria might not cause illness in everyone exposed. However, infected people can shed the bacteria through their stool, leading to contamination of food and water sources. Contaminated water supplies are the primary source of cholera infection. The bacteria can be found in:
- Surface water or healthy water: are familiar sources of major cholera outbreaks, particularly when public wells are contaminated. Residents living in crowded conditions with inadequate sanitation face an increased risk.
- Consuming raw or undercooked seafood: particularly shellfish from specific regions, may expose you to cholera bacteria.
- Raw fruits and vegetables: Consuming raw, unpeeled produce often leads to infections in cholera-affected regions. In developing countries, contamination can occur in the field from improperly composted manure or fertilizers contaminated with raw sewage, or from irrigation water contaminated with raw sewage.
- Grains: In areas where cholera is common, moist grains like rice and millet can be a danger. If these grains become contaminated after cooking and are left at room temperature for hours, they might harbor cholera bacteria.
What are the risk factors associated with cholera?
Everyone can be affected by cholera, but children under 5 years old are at the highest risk of severe cholera and dehydration. However, children under 2, especially those who are breastfed, are less likely to be affected.
However, certain factors can increase your likelihood of contracting the disease or experiencing severe symptoms. Risk factors for cholera include:
- Poor sanitary conditions: increase the risk of cholera transmission, especially in areas where hygiene and safe water access are difficult. These conditions are commonly seen in refugee camps, countries with limited resources, and regions affected by famine, war, or natural disasters.
- Having less or no stomach acid: lets cholera bacteria survive because normal stomach acid usually helps defend against infections. Lower acid levels can therefore raise the risk of infection.
- Household exposure: Your risk of cholera rises if you live with someone who is infected.
- People with type O blood: are more prone to cholera than those with other blood types, but the reason for this is unclear.
- Consuming raw or undercooked shellfish: especially from waters known to harbor bacteria, significantly raises your risk of cholera. While developed countries no longer face widespread cholera outbreaks, the danger persists if shellfish are sourced from contaminated areas.
How is cholera diagnosed?
Doctors diagnose cholera by testing a stool sample for the presence of V. cholerae. They may also order blood tests.
What are the treatments for cholera infection?
Cholera requires urgent treatment, as it can be deadly within hours. The treatment options include:
- Rehydration restores fluids and electrolytes using oral rehydration salts (ORS), a simple powder mixed with boiled or bottled water. Without treatment, up to 50% of severe cholera cases can be fatal, but proper care reduces the death rate to below 1%.
- Fluids given through a vein are called intravenous (IV) fluids. Most cholera patients can be treated with oral rehydration alone, but those who are severely dehydrated may also need IV fluids.
- Antibiotics are drugs used to eliminate bacterial infections. They are not always required for cholera treatment. However, certain antibiotics can help treat cholera-associated diarrhea and reduce its duration in severely ill patients.
- Zinc supplements have been shown by research to potentially lessen diarrhea and decrease its duration in children suffering from cholera.
What are effective ways to prevent cholera?
If you go to regions with cholera, follow these safety tips. They can significantly lower your chances of contracting the disease.
- Wash your hands frequently: with soap and water. Handwashing is essential after using the toilet and before preparing or eating food. Scrub wet, soapy hands for at least 20 seconds before rinsing. If soap and water are unavailable, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.
- Only drink safe water: like bottled, boiled, or disinfected options. Use bottled water even for brushing your teeth. Hot drinks and canned or bottled beverages are generally safe, but always wipe the outside before opening and verify the seal is intact. Don’t add ice unless you’re sure it was made with safe water.
- Eat hot and thoroughly cooked food: whenever possible. If you buy from street vendors, choose those who prepare food in front of you and serve it hot. Avoid street food if you can.
- Avoid sushi: as well as any raw or undercooked fish and seafood.
- Choose fruits and vegetables: that you can peel yourself, such as bananas, oranges, and avocados. Avoid salads and fruits that can’t be peeled, like grapes and berries.
- Cholera vaccine: This is an oral liquid dose given at least 10 days before travel. Many countries also provide oral vaccines, such as Dukoral, Shanchol, and Euvichol. Please consult your doctor or local public health office for more information. Remember, even if vaccinated, you should still follow the safety precautions previously mentioned to prevent cholera.
Living with a cholera infection
If you experience severe diarrhea due to cholera or other causes, seek medical attention immediately. Replacing fluids and electrolytes is essential to prevent dehydration, which can lead to serious health issues or even death. Although often overlooked, cholera remains a primary global health concern. Public health strategies are implemented to minimize outbreaks and fatalities in the most affected regions. You can protect yourself and others by getting vaccinated if you are traveling to areas where cholera is common. Treat diarrhea quickly by drinking plenty of water, broth, or oral rehydration solutions. If you are unsure about your hydration status, do not hesitate to seek emergency medical care.
Frequently asked questions
What is the mortality rate of cholera?
With proper treatment, such as controlling fluids to prevent dehydration, cholera mortality drops below 1%. Without treatment, it exceeds 50%.
Can cholera improve without treatment?
Yes, recovery from cholera can happen without antibiotics. However, it is crucial to focus on managing symptoms by drinking plenty of fluids and replenishing electrolytes to avoid serious complications.
What is the best way to make your water safe for drinking?
Bring water to a boil and maintain a rolling boil for at least 1 minute, which reliably kills V.cholera. After boiling, store the water in a clean, covered container to avoid recontamination.
What happens if you contract cholera?
If you have cholera or any illness that causes diarrhoea or vomiting, it is crucial to drink plenty of fluids early on to prevent dehydration. The best options are water, broth, and oral rehydration solutions. Avoid sports drinks, fruit juices, and soda, as their high sugar content can exacerbate diarrhea. Also, steer clear of anti-diarrheal medicines.
Can cholera spread through direct person-to-person contact?
Cholera spreads from person to person indirectly (it does not spread through casual contact, coughing, or sneezing, like many contagious diseases). In areas lacking access to running water or proper sanitation, infected faeces can contaminate water sources. When people drink the contaminated water, prepare food with it, or use it to wash their hands, the infection spreads.
How can I protect myself if I plan to be in an area with cholera?
The CDC’s Travel Health Notices website lets travelers check for cholera and other disease outbreaks. If you are in an area with cholera or planning to visit one, be cautious with your water intake. Wash your hands thoroughly and handle food with care. Proper supplies include bottled water, chlorine or iodine tablets, household bleach, and prepackaged foods. In the event of severe diarrhea caused by cholera or other conditions, seek medical attention immediately. Replacing fluids and electrolytes is crucial to prevent dehydration, which can cause serious health issues or be fatal.
