Cholera is an infectious disease that affects the small intestine. It occurs when one eats food or drinks water contaminated by the bacterium Vibrio cholerae. Although rare in the country, cholera poses a severe threat in other parts of the world, affecting about 1.3 to 1.4 million people annually. This post provides a general overview of cholera, including its common signs, causes, complications, treatments, home remedies, and helpful prevention tips.

What are the signs and symptoms of cholera?
Cholera infections are usually mild and asymptomatic. However, in about 10% of cases, the symptoms may be noticeable and severe. They appear between 12 hours and five days after ingesting bacteria-infected food or water. Here are a few signs and symptoms to watch out for:

A sudden onset of profuse, watery diarrhea (sometimes called rice-water stools)
Extreme thirst
Lower amounts of urine
Muscle cramps, especially in the legs
Restlessness or irritability
Vomiting
Weakness
Mild to severe dehydration
Tiredness or fatigue
Moodiness
Sunken eyes
Dry mouth
An irregular heart rate

Among children, the symptoms may also include severe drowsiness, fever, and convulsions.

What causes cholera?
Cholera is caused by the bacterium Vibrio cholerae (or V. cholerae). It infects the small intestine, releasing cholera toxin (CTX), which triggers the symptoms. The bacterium impacts the flow of sodium and chloride in the body and binds itself to intestine walls. In response, the immune system releases large amounts of water in the intestines, causing diarrhea.

Some common sources of cholera infections include:

Drinking contaminated water or using it to cook
Consuming raw or undercooked seafood
Eating raw fruits and vegetables

Certain factors may also increase one’s risk of cholera:

Living in areas with poor sanitation and contaminated water
Living in close proximity to someone with cholera
Having low levels of stomach acid (the bacteria cannot survive in highly acidic environments)
Having type-O blood

Does cholera cause complications?
Cholera causes substantial electrolyte and nutrient loss in the body. As a result, one may feel dehydrated and develop the following complications:

Dry mucous membranes in the eyes, nose, and mouth
Rapid heart rate
Low potassium levels (hypokalemia)
Low blood pressure (hypotension)
Loss of skin elasticity

Severe dehydration could result in kidney failure, shock, coma, or even death when left untreated.

What are the general treatment options for cholera?
Some popular treatment options include:

Oral rehydration solution
The most critical aspect of cholera treatment is preventing dehydration. To achieve this, doctors may prescribe an oral rehydration solution (ORS): a mix of sugar, salts, and water.

Administering fluids in the blood
In more severe cases of dehydration, fluid may need to be pumped directly into the veins.

Zinc
Children under five may be advised to consume more zinc to restore the body’s nutrient levels.

What are the home remedies for managing cholera?
Specific home remedies may help supplement formal cholera treatment:

Homemade ORS
Fluid consumption is crucial to avoid dehydration when battling cholera. One should stay hydrated by drinking boiled water or water purified by chlorine or iodine. Patients may also make a homemade ORS by mixing half a teaspoon each of salt and sugar in clean water.

Coconut water
Coconut water is another excellent source of hydration and electrolytes. One can drink it as is or add lime juice to boost vitamin C.

Probiotic yogurt
Yogurt enriched with probiotics can also help deal with cholera. Eating two to three cups of probiotic yogurt daily can help bolster the immune system and improve digestion, helping reduce symptoms of cholera.

Ginger
Ginger is a powerful antibiotic popularly used in traditional healing methods. It may help reduce diarrhea, cramps, and pain associated with cholera and aid the digestive process. One can add fresh ginger root to food, grate it over a salad, or boil it with hot tea to reap its benefits.

How does one prevent cholera?
Experts recommend the following to prevent cholera infections:

Avoid tap water
Avoid tap water, fountain drinks, and ice cubes. Drink only bottled, boiled, or chemically-treated water and bottled or canned beverages.

Disinfect water at home
To disinfect water at home, try either of the following:

Boil the water for a minute.
Filter it and add a tiny amount of chlorine.
Filter it and add two drops of household bleach per liter/quart of water.
Use commercial water chlorination solutions as specified by the manufacturer.

Use clean water to do the dishes
Use only bottled, boiled, or chemically treated water to wash dishes, brush teeth, and wash and prepare food.

Wash hands regularly
Wash hands often with soap and water, especially before eating or preparing food and after using the washroom.

Eat fresh food
Eat only packaged foods or foods freshly prepared and served hot.

Besides following these tips, individuals must check for cholera cases before traveling to a new location and follow the precautions the expert recommends.