Cholera

What is Cholera?
Cholera is an acute bacterial infection of the intestine caused by Vibrio cholerae. It spreads through contaminated water or food.

The Danger: It causes painless but massive watery diarrhea. Without treatment, severe dehydration can lead to death in hours, even in previously healthy people.

Symptoms: The "Rice-Water" Stool

Most infections are mild, but 1 in 10 people develop severe symptoms. The hallmark sign appears quickly:

• Profuse Diarrhea: The stool looks like pale, milky water (rice-water stool) and has a fishy odor. You can lose up to 1 liter of fluid per hour.
• Vomiting: Often occurs in the early stages.
• Muscle Cramps: Caused by the rapid loss of salts (sodium, potassium).

⚠️ EMERGENCY: SEVERE DEHYDRATION
Seek immediate medical help if you see these signs of shock:

• Sunken eyes and dry mouth.
• Skin Turgor: If you pinch the skin, it stays "tented" and doesn't bounce back.
• Cold, clammy skin.
• Little or no urine output.

Transmission

Cholera bacteria live in water and are passed through feces. You catch it by:

• Drinking Contaminated Water: The most common cause in areas with poor sanitation.
• Eating Raw Shellfish: Oysters and crabs from infected waters.
• Raw Fruits/Vegetables: Unpeeled produce washed in untreated water.

Note: Cholera is NOT typically spread by casual person-to-person contact (like shaking hands).

Who is at Risk?

• Blood Type O: For reasons not fully understood, people with Type O blood are twice as likely to develop severe cholera if infected.
• Low Stomach Acid: Stomach acid kills bacteria. People taking antacids (H2 blockers, PPIs) are more vulnerable.
• Travelers: Visiting areas with poor sanitation (parts of Africa, Southeast Asia, Haiti).

Treatment: The Cure is Hydration

Cholera is easily treatable. The goal is simply to replace the fluids lost.

1. Oral Rehydration Salts (ORS)

This is the gold standard. Packets of salt/sugar powder are mixed with clean water to rapidly absorb into the body.

💧 LIFE-SAVING HOME RECIPE
If you cannot reach a hospital and have no medical ORS packets, make this immediately:

Mix together:

• 1 Quart (1 Liter) of bottled or boiled water.
• 6 Teaspoons of Sugar.
• 1/2 Teaspoon of Salt.

Sip constantly. The sugar helps the gut absorb the salt and water.

2. Antibiotics & Zinc

Antibiotics (like Doxycycline) can shorten the illness but are secondary to hydration. Zinc supplements help reduce diarrhea duration in children.

Prevention Rules

If traveling to an endemic area:

• The Golden Rule: "Boil it, cook it, peel it, or forget it."
• Water: Drink only bottled or boiled water. Use it to brush your teeth too.
• Ice: Avoid ice in drinks; it is often made from tap water.
• Vaccine: Oral cholera vaccines (like Vaxchora) are available for travelers visiting high-risk areas.

Disclaimer: The content provided on this blog is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician regarding any medical condition.