Navigation
[TITLE]

[MESSAGE]

[BUTTONS]

Popular questions...

Content

What is cholera?

Cholera is an infectious disease caused by the Vibrio cholera bacterium. It causes massive diarrhea in the people it infects.

FAQ Frequently asked questions

How does a cholera infection occur?

The cholera bacterium moves between people via water contaminated by human fecal matter.

How common is cholera?

Cholera is a common disease in many parts of the world including India, Africa, South and Southeast Asia, South America, Central America and the Caribbean. Locations where sanitary conditions are poor due to natural disaster, war, civil strife or other emergencies …

What are the symptoms of cholera?

Cholera shows up mainly as severe diarrhea. Other symptoms of cholera include stomach cramps, nausea, vomiting, dehydration, thirst, and a rapid heart rate.

Who gets cholera?

Anyone can be infected by cholera if exposed to contaminated water. It is particularly dangerous for infants and young children.

How is cholera diagnosed?

Your doctor or other health professional will diagnose cholera by observing the clinical signs and by performing specific tests on stool samples.

How is cholera treated?

The main concern with a cholera infection is the quick dehydration it causes. An effective rehydration treatment, ideally using an oral rehydration solution (ORS), can prevent serious illness and death.

Is cholera serious?

Cholera can cause serious harm, including death, if it is not treated in time. For severe cases, treatment within hours of the onset of disease is crucial.

Can I prevent being infected with cholera?

The best protection against cholera is to prevent exposure. A cholera vaccine is available, but it is effective only for 2 to 3 years and only about 6 months in young children. It is recommended mainly for people who expect to be exposed to …

Can I be re-infected with cholera?

You can catch cholera again.

Related topics

Diseases & conditions

Dengue fever

Dengue fever is an infectious viral disease transmitted by mosquitoes in tropical and sub-tropical climates. Most people with dengue fever suffer unpleasant symptoms, such as fever, headache and vomiting, but will make a full recovery. However, repeated infections can result in a form of haemorrhagic fever.…
Diseases & conditions

Diphtheria

Diphtheria is a serious bacterial infection that may cause a fever, breathing difficulties and swollen lymph nodes. Without treatment, it can lead to severe complications. It is now a rare condition in developed nations due to the widespread use of the diphtheria vaccine.…
Diseases & conditions

Typhoid fever

Typhoid fever is caused by a strain of salmonella bacteria. It is transmitted via contaminated food or water, and can cause severe diarrhoea and a rash. Typhoid fever is much more common in developing countries.…
Diseases & conditions

Mosquito-borne illnesses

Mosquitoes can transmit a variety of disease-causing microorganisms, including many kinds of viruses and several kinds of parasites. Often, different species of mosquitoes, found in different locations, will transmit different diseases.…
Diseases & conditions

Rabies

Rabies is a serious viral infection that is passed on through the bite of an infected animal. It causes fever, pain and extreme changes in behaviour and can even be fatal. Following some advice can help prevent this condition.…
Diseases & conditions

Traveler's diarrhea

Traveller's diarrhoea is an infection of the gastrointestinal tract that mainly affects travellers, typically due to poor sanitation. It usually causes urgent and frequent diarrhoea. This can be unpleasant and potentially lead to dehydration. It is important to keep hydrated and medications may be needed to help with symptoms.…

About this article

Author: Dr Idan Ben-Barak PhD, MSc, BSc (Med)
First answered: 03 Oct 2014
Last reviewed: 14 May 2019
Rating: 4.2 out of 5
Votes: 304 (Click smiley face below to rate)
Category: Dengue fever

×

Content goes in here.