Cholera: How It Spreads, Who Is at Risk, and How It Is Prevented and Treated

Cholera is an infection of the intestines caused by the bacterium Vibrio cholerae. People catch it by drinking water or eating food that contains the bacteria.

Most people who get cholera don't get sick, but it can cause life-threatening watery diarrhea and vomiting. Each year, an estimated 1.3 to 4 million people worldwide get cholera, and 21,000 to 143,000 die. With early and proper treatment, even severely ill patients can survive.

Symptoms

Most infections are mild or silent. About 1 in 10 people develop severe symptoms — watery diarrhea, vomiting and leg cramps — and losing fluids fast can lead to dehydration and shock. More: signs and symptoms.

Who is at risk

People living where drinking water is unsafe, sanitation is poor and hygiene is inadequate are at highest risk. U.S. residents can catch cholera abroad and sometimes fall ill after returning; some have been infected by seafood they brought home. More: cholera in the United States.

How it spreads

• Usually through water or food containing traces of poop from someone with cholera. It can spread fast where sewage and drinking water aren't properly treated.
• The bacteria also live in brackish (slightly salty) and coastal waters, and eating raw shellfish can cause cholera.
• It is not likely to spread from person to person or through casual contact.

More: causes and how it spreads.

Prevention

Before you travel, check whether cholera is common or ongoing where you're going. If it is:

• wash your hands with soap and safe water;
• drink treated water;
• consider vaccination.

More: five basic steps.

Treatment

If you think you or a family member might have cholera, get medical care immediately — dehydration can come on quickly, and replacing lost fluids is essential. Babies with watery diarrhea should keep getting breast milk or formula. Treatment can include:

• rehydration therapy;
• antibiotics;
• zinc for children.

More: treating cholera.

Sources

Based on "Cholera," Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; a work of the United States government in the public domain. The source's two photographs are stock pictures and are not reproduced.