Cholera

• Cholera is a serious disease caused by ingestion of a bacteria called Vibrio cholerae.
• The most common cholera symptoms are watery diarrhea and vomiting, which can lead to severe dehydration.
• Cholera treatment mainly consists of rehydration and possibly antibiotics.
• Cholera usually occurs in places with a lack of hygiene, little accessibility to safe drinking water, and low sanitary facilities.

Cholera is a disease that can cause severe diarrhea and can even lead to death. Knowing the symptoms of cholera and the available treatments is therefore essential, especially if you live in or travel through an area where cholera occurs. In this article, Ada’s medical team will guide you through all there’s to know about cholera. 

Cholera is an acute infection with a bacteria called Vibrio cholerae. It originated in the 19th century in India and spread all over the world. Several cholera pandemics throughout history cost the lives of millions of people. Currently, cholera is still present and is deemed endemic in many countries, meaning that it's a disease that occurs regularly within that country. Each year, there are about 1.3 to 4 million cases of cholera worldwide. 1

Cholera symptoms usually develop between 12 hours and 5 days after ingesting the bacteria. Most people experiencing cholera disease will only develop mild to moderate sudden diarrhea. In some cases, cholera can cause severe watery diarrhea, which can lead to dehydration. If left untreated, this can even result in death. 1

Besides watery diarrhea, cholera can also cause: 2

• Vomiting
• Leg cramps
• Restlessness or irritability
• Rapid heart rate
• Low blood pressure

Cholera is caused by a bacteria. This bacteria can enter the body after eating or drinking contaminated food or water. 

If someone has been infected with the bacteria, it will be present in their feces for up to 10 days, even if they do not show any symptoms. Cholera mainly affects people who lack access to safe water and live in environments with inadequate basic sanitary facilities. In places such as slums and camps for displaced persons or refugees, the risk of cholera transmission rises significantly. 1

Cholera symptoms usually last for about a week for those with mild to moderate symptoms. People with severe symptoms usually recover in a week as well, provided that they get the medical attention they require.

If your healthcare provider suspects that you have cholera after assessing your symptoms, a stool sample will be collected for further analysis. If the organism is detected in the stool sample, the diagnosis can be confirmed. Confirming the diagnosis of cholera is essential, as it can prevent the spread of the disease to others.

Cholera treatment should be initiated as soon as possible, as dehydration resulting from watery diarrhea and vomiting due to untreated cholera can be deadly to some within a few hours. If cholera is treated early on, then most people survive.  

The most important part in cholera treatment is rehydration of the body. This can be achieved by drinking ORS, which consists of a powder containing salts and minerals mixed with uncontaminated water. Another possibility for rehydration is electrolytes and intravenous fluids administered through a vein. If you do not have access to these products, then it's recommended to drink plenty of fluids such as water or broth. 

People who are severely ill can take antibiotics in combination with rehydration therapy. The antibiotics can help the body fight the bacteria that causes cholera, which decreases the duration of the illness. 4

There are various ways of preventing cholera. Maintaining good hygiene, such as washing your hands with soap, preparing and storing food safely, and disposing of feces safely can help you avoid ingesting the bacteria that causes cholera. Besides that, having access to clean drinking water and basic sanitary facilities is an important factor in preventing cholera. 

Health organizations play an essential part in the prevention of cholera. In order to rapidly detect and manage outbreaks, health organizations keep track of cholera cases with active surveillance. Additionally, they make sure that access to cholera treatment is readily available, as cholera can be treated easily as long as treatment is initiated early on. 

If you’re living in an area with endemic cholera, taking a cholera vaccine can also provide protection against cholera. People who travel through these areas are recommended to take Dukoral, which can provide protection against cholera for a period of 2 years. 1

Cholera can cause severe watery diarrhea and vomiting, which can lead to dehydration. With the correct treatment, cholera can be treated easily with symptoms only lasting up to a week, even for severe cases. If left untreated however, cholera can lead to kidney failure, shock, coma, and even death due to severe dehydration. These severe consequences underline the importance of contacting your doctor as soon as possible if you experience any of the symptoms of cholera. 

Q: How does cholera spread? 
A: Cholera can spread by eating or drinking foods or drinks that have been contaminated with the feces of an infected person. 

Q: How is cholera transmitted? 
A: Cholera bacteria spread primarily through the feces of an infected person, contaminating water or food sources that others may then ingest.

Q: What is cholera caused by? 
A: Cholera is caused by a bacteria called Vibrio cholerae. The main cause of getting infected with this bacteria is poor hygiene, insufficient access to basic sanitary facilities, and drinking contaminated water. 

Q: What are the differences between cholera vs dysentery? 
A:  Both cholera and dysentery are infections of the intestines which can cause diarrhea. Contrary to cholera, dysentery often goes together with painful stomach cramps and bloody diarrhea. 

Q: Where does cholera come from? 
A: Cholera first originated in the Ganges delta in India in the 19th century. Cholera then quickly spread to the entire world and is now still endemic to some areas. 

Q: Why is cholera called the blue death? 
A: Cholera is also called the blue death because people who die from severe dehydration caused by cholera often have a distinct blue-gray skin tone.