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How to Treat Cholera

Cholera is an illness caused by the bacterium Vibrio cholerae. Infection with the bacterium causes acute intestinal distress with diarrhea and vomiting. Severity can range from mild to dehydration and death. While the industrialized world is virtually cholera-free, many parts of the Middle East, Africa, Latin America and Asia have cholera in epidemic proportions.

Things You'll Need

  • Alcohol-based hand cleaner
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Instructions

  1. Gather Information About Cholera

    • 1

      Realize cholera may be the result of drinking water or eating foods that contain the cholera bacterium. This is a common problem in areas where water treatment facilities are inadequate. Drink only boiled or bottled water when traveling to reduce the possibility of ingesting the cholera bacterium.

    • 2

      Watch out for contaminated seafood brought back to the United States from traveling to areas where cholera is prevalent.

    • 3

      Realize that some people can have the cholera bacterium and not become ill. They can still infect others for up to 14 days because the bacteria is eliminated through their stool.

    • 4

      Use caution when traveling to cholera-infested areas. Wash with hot, soapy water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer frequently, especially before handling food and after going to the toilet.

    Prepare to Treat Cholera

    • 5

      Identify symptoms of cholera early to avoid dehydration. Severe, watery diarrhea is frequently the first sign of infection. It's urgent to treat diarrhea early with rehydration since as much as a qt. of fluid can be lost in an hour.

    • 6

      Realize that nausea and vomiting may occur from the time cholera sets in until it is completely resolved.

    • 7

      Expect to experience muscle cramps as a result of losing potassium, sodium and chloride. Medical attention may be required to replace these vital nutrients.

    • 8

      Be alert for signs of hypovolemic shock as a result of dehydration. Death is eminent if shock is not treated in a matter of minutes.

    • 9

      Follow the World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines on how to treat diarrhea from cholera. Oral Rehydration Salts (ORS) is designed to provide immediate electrolyte support from the onset of cholera (see Resources below).

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