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Cholera

An acute intestinal infection caused by Vibrio cholerae, characterized by profuse watery diarrhea and rapid dehydration.

Written by: Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board
Last updated:

This content has been compiled by the Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board and is periodically reviewed by a specialist physician.

References (5)

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. You can book an appointment at our Internal Medicine department. Book Appointment →

What is Cholera?

Cholera is an acute infectious disease caused by the Gram-negative bacterium Vibrio cholerae (especially serogroups O1 and O139) through the action of cholera toxin, presenting with severe watery diarrhea.

Transmission is fecal-oral via contaminated water and food. Worldwide, millions of cases and tens of thousands of deaths are reported annually, with outbreaks especially in regions with inadequate sanitation and following natural disasters.

The typical sign is profuse, odorless watery diarrhea with a 'rice-water' appearance. It can lead to severe dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, shock, and death within hours. Rapid fluid and electrolyte therapy reduces mortality to below 1%.

Symptoms

Sudden onset of profuse watery diarrhea
Stool with a 'rice-water' appearance
Vomiting
Rapidly developing severe dehydration
Muscle cramps (due to electrolyte loss)
Sunken eyes and 'washerwoman hands'
Hypovolemic shock and renal failure

Risk Factors

Inadequate sanitation and unsafe drinking water
Travel to or living in outbreak areas
Natural disasters and refugee camps
Achlorhydric stomach and blood group O
Consumption of raw or undercooked seafood
Low socioeconomic conditions
Failure to follow hygiene rules

When to See a Doctor?

If you experience any of the following symptoms, seek medical attention promptly:

  • Sudden onset of watery diarrhea in an outbreak area
  • Rice-water-appearing stools
  • Signs of severe dehydration
  • Muscle cramps and weakness
  • Altered consciousness and collapse

Treatment Methods

01
Rapid administration of oral rehydration solution (ORS)
02
Intravenous Ringer's lactate therapy in severe cases
03
Doxycycline, azithromycin, or ciprofloxacin (in severe cases)
04
Zinc supplementation (in children)
05
Safe water, sanitation, and hand hygiene
06
Cholera vaccine (in outbreak and high-risk areas)

Which Department to Visit?

You can visit our Enfeksiyon Hastalıkları department for these complaints. Our specialist physicians will create the most suitable treatment plan for you.

Learn About Enfeksiyon Hastalıkları Department

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Health Disclaimer: The information on this page is prepared for general informational purposes only. It does not replace medical diagnosis and treatment. Please consult your physician for your complaints. Saygı Hospital does not accept responsibility for actions taken based on the information on this page.