Act Fast! Decode Cholera Symptoms Before It’s Too Late

• Written by Jagriti Chakraborty

  Reviewed by Nidhi Goyal

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In today’s fast-paced life, we often brush off dehydration, fatigue or stomach issues as part of the grind. Isn’t it? However, our grandmothers know it well, when thirst lingers too long or stomach troubles don’t fade easily, it’s not just daily life. It’s the body’s gentle reminder that internal balance is off, and it’s a sign to pay attention.  These seemingly ordinary health troubles can be cholera symptoms in disguise. 

Sadly, many realise it only when it’s too late. To better guide you, we’ve crafted this blog to shed light on cholera in detail — its causes, bacteria, symptoms, and treatments —ensuring you stay one step ahead and respond to this disease with confidence. 

What is Cholera (कोलेरा)?

Cholera, also known as हैजा in Hindi, is an acute bacterial infection affecting the small intestine that causes diarrhoea and vomiting. If unchecked, these cholera symptoms can swiftly lead to dehydration and electrolyte disturbances, becoming fatal in just a few hours. This is why it’s crucial to know that this life-threatening disease (cholera) is caused by which bacteria. The primary culprit is Vibrio cholerae. 

Cholera bacteria are highly motile waterborne bacteria that produce cholera toxins. Like typhoid, the infections spread through contaminated food and water, serving as a stark reminder to prioritise clean water and sanitation to prevent outbreaks. 

What are the Main Causes of Cholera?

Cholera is undoubtedly a severe waterborne disease that can strike suddenly; however, its causes often extend beyond water contamination. Knowing the triggers empowers you to take proactive measures to protect yourself and your family from life-threatening danger. 

• Poor Sanitation in Overcrowded Areas: Poor sanitation in densely crowded areas promotes the spread of Vibrio cholerae, pollutes water and food, and exposes countless people to risk. According to the IDSP under India’s Ministry of Health, Gujarat (including Ahmedabad, Surat, and Gandhinagar) experienced cholera outbreaks during 2023-2024, which were attributed to contaminated water, inadequate sanitation, and infrastructure. 
• Improper Food Handling: Cholera can also spread through food contamination. Exposure to unsafe water, poor hygiene and untreated manure can spoil food with harmful pathogens. Other common culprits include raw fruits and vegetables, undercooked seafood, and improperly stored grains, which further increase health risks. 
• Flooding or Natural Disaster: Cholera tends to strike hardest after disasters, when floods pollute water, hygiene deteriorates, and access to food and medical treatment for cholera declines. It often spreads when bacteria thrive in moist conditions, placing disadvantaged communities at grave risk.  
• Travel to Endemic Regions: Diseases like cholera especially linger in endemic regions by surviving in polluted waters, spreading through food and stools, and thriving in a weak sanitation system. Changing seasons and exposed communities fuel new waves. 
• Weak Immune System: People with a weak immune system, such as those with malnutrition, HIV or even low stomach acidity, are at significant risk of intense cholera symptoms like severe dehydration and rapid draining of essential fluids. High-risk groups like little ones, pregnant women, and older adults stand on the frontline of risk when cholera strikes.
• Asymptomatic Carriers: Asymptomatic carriers (bacteria) also serve as hidden pathways for cholera. They unknowingly spread germs, quietly infecting water and contaminating essential resources. Often unnoticed, they spark new waves, maintain the chain of spread, and influence communities in regions with poor sanitation. 
• Neglecting Food Safety in Street Food: Street food prepared without proper hygiene is a leading cause of cholera, as it allows bacteria to contaminate food and water through faecal matter. Risks increase when vendors neglect hygiene, fail to dispose of waste adequately, and mishandle food, further heightening the danger.  

Now that you know what triggers cholera, it’s high time to read your body’s early alerts, as early detection can make all the difference. 

What Are the Symptoms of Cholera? 

Cholera can escalate fast while your body sends urgent alerts. Knowing the key symptoms gives you the edge to respond quickly and shield your loved ones from harm. 

• Nausea Without Vomiting: Cholera usually starts subtly with nausea, sometimes showing up without triggering vomiting, serving as an initial alert to the infection. Watery or rice-water diarrhoea is one of the signature symptoms, frequently paired with dehydration, cramps, tiredness, and a racing heartbeat, and can progress rapidly.    
• Reduced Urine Output: Since diarrhoea and vomiting quickly strip the body of essential fluids and electrolytes, leading to intense dehydration and restricted blood supply to the kidneys. Kidney function suffers immensely under this stress, resulting in scant or no urine, which can indicate an acute kidney complication. 
• Mild Abdominal Cramps: They often accompany cholera; however, the hallmark is profuse diarrhoea without vomiting. Rapid loss of fluids and electrolytes disrupts the body’s equilibrium, leading to abdominal and muscle cramps, as well as weakness.  
• Rapid Heartbeat or Low Blood Pressure: Infection with cholera bacteria can trigger a racing heartbeat (tachycardia) and low blood pressure (hypotension). They are the key indicators of possible hypovolemic shock. 
• Sunken Eyes: As cholera progresses, rapid fluid loss depletes the body’s tissues. The soft tissues around the eyes lose volume, making the eyes appear sunken, signalling severe dehydration. 

Identify the trio of cramps, profuse watery diarrhoea, and severe dehydration to act swiftly because recognising the symptoms can avoid life-threatening consequences.  

Why Does Early Detection Matter? 

Severe cholera can be fatal; more than 50% of untreated cholera cases can prove deadly, but prompt cholera treatment brings the rate below 1% as per WHO, 2023. It’s time to explore the specifics in more detail. 

• Enables Prompt Treatment: Prompt diagnosis ensures timely, life-saving rehydration therapy delivered via ORS or IV fluids. 
• Facilitates Rapid Health Response: Early detection in India enables authorities to track cases in high-density areas with better WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) practices, effectively containing the spread of cholera. 
• Reduces Transmission: Isolating early cases prevents Vibrio cholerae (the bacterium that causes cholera) from re-entering the environment. This disrupts the chain of transmission, reducing the chances of a wider epidemic.   
• Rapid Response Tools: Early identification of cholera symptoms through intelligent surveillance and faster diagnostic tools underpins cholera outbreak prevention. Health agencies use monitoring systems to keep a pulse on disease progression, detect transmission chains, and assess the effectiveness of responses. 

Are you noticing specific symptoms at home that closely resemble cholera, but are still unsure if it’s serious? Our individual health insurance policy provides you with access to round-the-clock benefits, including unlimited e-consultations with experienced doctors in our network, available across all communication platforms. Make the most of it right away—your health deserves prevention, not regret. 

Treatment of Cholera 

The primary treatment for cholera symptoms and causes is immediate fluid therapy to replenish vital fluids and electrolytes. However, severe cholera often takes a different treatment approach, one that deserves special focus. 

• Rehydration Therapy: The primary approach to treating cholera is to restore lost fluids and essential salts with ORS or IV solutions. ORS, whether prepared at home or store-bought, replenishes electrolytes lost, preventing severe dehydration and reducing the risk of fatality to less than 1% with timely administration. 

ORS at home: According to the World Health Organisation, you can prepare a simple homemade ORS by combining 1 litre of clean water with six teaspoons of sugar and ½ teaspoon of salt, carefully measured for adequate hydration.   Take small, regular sips as soon as diarrhoea begins, giving small amounts after each loose stool, and monitor closely for signs of recovery, such as reduced thirst and regular urination.  

• Antibiotics: Antibiotic use in cholera depends primarily on local resistance, as certain strains of Vibrio cholerae are less responsive to tetracycline or ciprofloxacin. Therefore, antibiotics for cholera are given once vomiting eases. 
• Zinc Supplementation: Zinc supplementation (ORS) in cholera shortens diarrhoea, helps rehydrate the body, and strengthens immunity, primarily in children. While adults usually need proper medical guidance. 
• Management Plan: Closely monitor vital signs and urine output while restoring electrolyte balance and stabilising blood pressure. At the same time, guide caregivers on proper hygiene, safe food habits and clean water to prevent community spread. 

Note: The information provided here is for educational purposes only and should not replace consultation with a professional medical advisor. Always seek guidance from a licensed healthcare professional for diagnosis, cholera treatment, and management of cholera or any other medical condition. 

Cholera Prevention through Lifestyle 

Cholera is primarily caused by ingesting food or water contaminated with cholera bacteria. However, there are specific lifestyle steps you can take to curb its spread in the community. 

• Water and Sanitation: In a cholera-prone area, always ensure that water is safe —properly bottled, boiled, or filtered. Also, practice proper sanitation to keep water sources free of contamination. 
• Food Safety: For effective cholera treatment, consume only fully cooked, searing-hot meals and avoid raw foods such as fruits or vegetables in salads. Also, make sure to peel fruits and vegetables, avoid raw seafood or unpasteurised dairy and be cautious with street food made in unhygienic settings. 
• Personal Hygiene: To prevent cholera symptoms, strictly adhere to personal hygiene by washing hands with soap and safe water before eating, while preparing food, and after using the toilet. Always consume safe drinking water by boiling, purifying or using a sealed water bottle. 
• Role of Caregivers: Caregivers act as health guardians, safeguarding individuals or families from cholera by ensuring access to safe water, disinfecting contaminated spaces, and managing waste with utmost care and safety. Their vigilant hand hygiene, combined with community awareness, prevents the infection from spreading. 
• Other Prevention Measures: In India, Oral Cholera Vaccines (OCVs) such as Shanchol are often used in outbreak-prone areas, although they are part of routine immunisation against cholera. Recent developments include Bharat Biotech’s Hillchol and IVI’s transfer of vaccine technology to Biological E, both aimed at overcoming supply shortages and expanding availability. 

Prevention begins with your daily choices, but misinformation often stands in the way. Isn’t it? It’s time to take the next step and address common myths about cholera. 

Also Read: Feeling Drained? Know the Symptoms of Caregiver Burnout

Cholera Myths Busted 

Cholera is such a disease clouded by so many myths and taboos that it can delay treatment and fuel stigma. Therefore, it is now essential to shine a light on the facts, protect well-being, and empower committees. 

Found it useful? It’s time to break the cycle of fear and myths. Empower yourself with proven preventive measures and take the steps needed to keep cholera out of your community. 

Cholera Prevention Worth a Million 

In a world where cholera can hit unexpectedly, your family's health insurance can prove to be a million-dollar asset to protect. Think of your medical coverage as a protective shield that keeps your loved ones safe in the event of medical emergencies, granting invaluable peace of mind. So, don’t wait for a crisis, protect your family today and make safety as effortless as your love and care. 

Disclaimer: All plan features, benefits, coverage and claims underwriting are subject to policy terms and conditions. Kindly refer to the brochure, sales prospectus and policy documents carefully.