What are the symptoms and causes of cholera?

Cholera symptoms include severe diarrhoea, vomiting, dehydration, and muscle cramps, caused by the bacterium Vibrio cholerae.

Cholera is an acute diarrhoeal infection caused by the bacterium Vibrio cholerae. This bacterium is usually found in food or water contaminated by faeces from a person with the infection. The disease is not likely to spread directly from one person to another; therefore, casual contact with an infected person is not a risk for becoming ill.

Symptoms of cholera can begin as soon as a few hours or as long as five days after infection. Often symptoms are mild, but sometimes they are very serious. About one in 20 infected people get sick enough to need hospital treatment. The primary symptoms of cholera are profuse, watery diarrhoea and vomiting. These can lead to severe dehydration, which if not treated immediately, can lead to shock, kidney failure, and even death.

Dehydration can also cause muscle cramps, particularly in the legs, due to the rapid loss of salts. Other symptoms can include a rapid heart rate, loss of skin elasticity, low blood pressure, and thirst. In severe cases, people may experience a sunken appearance in their eyes and cheeks, cold and clammy skin, and a weak and rapid pulse.

The bacterium Vibrio cholerae produces a toxin that affects the intestines. This toxin binds to the cells lining the intestines, causing them to release large amounts of fluid, leading to rapid dehydration. This is why rehydration is a critical part of treatment for cholera.

Understanding the symptoms and causes of cholera is crucial for its prevention and treatment. Proper sanitation and safe water supplies can significantly reduce the risk of cholera transmission.