Situation and vulnerability
Limited access to safe water and sanitation promotes outbreaks; abundant diarrhea can rapidly threaten life.
Signs and limits of their interpretation
Cholera can produce watery diarrhea and rapid water loss. Some infections give few symptoms. The severity depends in particular on dehydration; it is not only judged by the presence of fever.
Diagnosis and monitoring
A context of outbreak, appropriate symptoms and examinations contribute to the diagnosis. Monitoring distinguishes the detection of a case and the study of an outbreak. Rehydrate people quickly is essential and should not wait for full confirmation.
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Prevention and care
Rehydration is central in management. Safe water, sanitation and oral vaccination in the contexts indicated are involved in prevention.
Practical issues
Can very abundant diarrhea wait?
No. Medical assistance must be sought quickly. Oral rehydration with a suitable solution can begin if the person can drink, without delaying treatment.
Do antibiotics replace rehydration?
No. Rehydration is central. Some cases require other treatments decided by the medical team.
Preparing for an exchange with a professional
- Start, frequency of diarrhea and vomiting
- Drinking capacity and quantity of urine
- Water and food consumed, territory and possible related cases
Bring the full minutes and dates. This information facilitates evaluation; its collection must not delay an urgent appeal.
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Related fact sheets
These sheets share ways or contexts of exhibition in our catalogue. This reconciliation does not establish a differential diagnosis.
Compare Cholera with associated sheets →
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