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Cholera
Cholera is an acute bacterial disease that affects the intestines, causing severe watery diarrhea and rapid dehydration, which can be fatal if not treated quickly. The disease is caused by the bacterium Vibrio cholerae.
Cholera is an acute bacterial disease that affects the intestines, causing severe watery diarrhea and rapid dehydration, which can be fatal if not treated quickly.The disease is caused by the bacterium Vibrio cholerae.
The bacteria are typically transmitted to humans through contaminated water or food, especially in areas with poor sanitation and limited access to clean drinking water.Outbreaks often occur after natural disasters or in refugee camps, where clean water and proper hygiene are lacking.
Rapid pulse (tachycardia)
Low blood pressure (hypotension)
Dry, cold, and wrinkled skin (dehydration)
Decreased urine output or no urination
Muscle cramps
Weak or absent pulse (due to shock)
Changes in consciousness (confusion or unconsciousness in severe cases)
Sudden, profuse diarrhea – watery, “rice-water” stools
Severe vomiting
Intense thirst
Weakness and fatigue
Dizziness, especially when standing up (due to dehydration)
Cholera can be fatal if untreated.Severe dehydration caused by cholera can quickly lead to death, but timely rehydration treatment is highly effective and lifesaving.
Certain conditions and situations may place you at increased risk of exposure to cholera.
People living in or traveling to areas with poor sanitation and limited access to clean water
Humanitarian aid workers responding to outbreaks or working in refugee camps
Healthcare workers treating cholera patients without adequate protective measures
People consuming food or water contaminated with Vibrio cholerae bacteria
Communities affected by natural disasters where water systems may be compromised
Cholera is primarily transmitted through contaminated water or food, and the risk is highest where sanitation is inadequate and water treatment is lacking.
Cholera prevention is important if you’re travelling to or living in areas where cholera is more common, especially if:
you’re going somewhere with limited access to clean water and sanitation
you might consume food or drinks prepared in unhygienic conditions
you’re staying in rural or disaster-affected areas with poor infrastructure
you’re working in healthcare, humanitarian aid, or water and sanitation services
you plan to stay for an extended period in a high-risk region
To reduce your risk:
Drink only bottled or properly treated water
Eat food that is thoroughly cooked and served hot
Wash your hands regularly with soap and safe water
Consider getting the cholera vaccine if recommended for your travel destination
Cholera vaccines may not be free and can be obtained from travel health clinics or specialized pharmacies.
If you have symptoms such as severe diarrhea and dehydration after being in an area with poor sanitation or contaminated water, a doctor will check if you need treatment.Treatment usually involves:
Rehydration with oral rehydration salts (ORS) to replace lost fluids and electrolytes
Intravenous (IV) fluids in severe cases of dehydration
Antibiotics, in some cases, to shorten the duration of diarrhea and reduce severity
Zinc supplements may be recommended, especially for children, to help reduce diarrhea
If treated quickly, cholera can usually be cured easily and effectively.
Without treatment, severe cholera can lead to death within hours due to dehydration. However, with prompt rehydration therapy, most people recover fully
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13 June 2025
Adverse events should be reported. Reporting forms and information can be found at www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard . Adverse events should also be reported to Bavarian Nordic: drug.safety@bavarian-nordic.com.
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