What is Cholera?

What is cholera? What are the symptoms of infection? How does it spread? Is it a serious disease? Keep reading to learn everything you need to know about this infection.

What is cholera? 

Cholera is a bacterial infection that causes severe watery diarrhea, which can lead to dehydration and other serious complications, including death within a few hours if not promptly treated and managed, even in healthy individuals without prior illnesses.

Cholera is very common in areas lacking modern systems for sewage and clean water, such as developing countries, refugee camps, and parts of the Middle East, Asia, Africa, and South America. Globally, approximately 1.3 to 4 million people are infected with cholera each year, with an estimated 21,000 to 143,000 deaths annually.

What are the symptoms of cholera?

Most people do not experience any symptoms at all, or they may have mild symptoms that usually resolve on their own within a few days. However, about 1 in 10 people may develop severe symptoms within 12 hours to 5 days after exposure to the bacteria, such as:

• Severe watery diarrhea.
• Intense thirst.
• Muscle cramps.
• Restlessness or irritability.
• Vomiting.
• Fatigue and weakness.
• Decreased urine output.

The bacteria produce a toxin in the small intestine that causes the body to secrete large amounts of water, leading to rapid loss of fluids and electrolytes.

How does cholera spread?

Cholera can spread through consumption of contaminated food or water containing the cholera bacterium (Vibrio cholerae). Here are some common sources where these bacteria can be found:

1. Using untreated well water, salty river water, or coastal water for washing, cooking, or drinking, as these sources may be contaminated with cholera bacteria.
2. Eating certain seafood, such as raw or undercooked shellfish like oysters.
3. Consuming raw, unpeeled fruits and vegetables in areas where cholera is prevalent.
4. Eating contaminated grains stored at room temperature for several hours in areas where cholera is present.

Cholera is unlikely to spread from person to person through casual contact, but it can occur if food or water contaminated with the feces of an infected person is consumed.

What are the diagnostic methods for cholera?

The only way to diagnose cholera infection is by conducting a stool sample test. 

You can perform stool analysis provided by Blazma to detect cholera bacteria, and it does not require fasting or any other conditions.

How is cholera treated?

The primary step in treating cholera is preventing dehydration or attempting to control it. Therefore, doctors typically start by replenishing lost fluids and electrolytes through:

• Oral rehydration solutions.
• Intravenous fluids in cases of severe dehydration.

Doctors may also prescribe antibiotics for individuals with severe symptoms or for pregnant women and children. Additionally, they may recommend zinc supplements for children aged 3-14 years, as it has been proven effective in improving symptoms and reducing the duration of acute diarrhea. It's important to note that the bacteria usually disappear within two weeks. 

What are the complications of cholera?

Diarrhea and vomiting caused by cholera can lead to significant loss of electrolytes, sodium, potassium, and fluids from the body. When the body does not receive adequate amounts of these substances, dehydration can occur, which may result in:

• Fast heart rate.
• Hypokalemia (Lower potassium levels in the blood).
• Dry mucous membranes such as the nose, mouth, and eyes.
• Hypotension (Decreased blood pressure).
• Loss of the natural stretchiness in skin.

Severe dehydration can lead to kidney failure, shock, coma, or death in some cases.