Cholera: What It Is, Symptoms, Contagiousness, and Treatment

Cholera is a bacterial infection typically transmitted through contaminated water. It can result in severe diarrhea and dehydration. If left untreated, cholera can be life-threatening. Therefore, early diagnosis and prompt treatment of cholera are crucial.

What Are the Symptoms of Cholera?

There may be no symptoms in the early stages after exposure to the cholera bacteria (Vibrio cholerae). However, as the disease progresses, certain symptoms may emerge. Some of the symptoms that can occur due to cholera include:

• Diarrhea: Severe diarrhea is a common symptom of cholera. It can cause the body to lose large amounts of water.
• Nausea and Vomiting: In the early stages of cholera, symptoms such as nausea and vomiting may occur. These symptoms may last for several hours.
• Dehydration: Dehydration can occur when minerals in the blood, which help maintain the balance of body fluids, are rapidly lost. This condition is known as electrolyte imbalance. Mild or severe dehydration may develop a few hours after cholera symptoms begin. A loss of 10% or more of body weight can indicate serious dehydration. Dehydration can also cause symptoms such as irritability, fatigue, sunken eyes, dry mouth, excessive thirst, dry skin, little or no urination, low blood pressure, and irregular heartbeat.

Cholera outbreaks are common in areas suffering from poverty, war, or natural disasters. Modern sanitation and water purification can help prevent cholera in industrialized countries. However, cholera may still occur in countries like Africa, Southeast Asia, and Haiti, where primitive living conditions are prevalent. Severe diarrhea following a visit to an area with an active cholera outbreak may indicate the presence of the disease.

What Are the Causes of Cholera?

Cholera infection is caused by a bacterium called Vibrio cholerae. This bacterium can lead to the formation of a toxin in the small intestine, which can pose a life-threatening risk.

Cholera bacteria may not cause the disease in all individuals exposed to them. However, these bacteria can infect food and water sources through feces. Contaminated water sources are the primary cause of cholera infections. Some environments where the bacteria can be present and lead to cholera include:

• Surface or Well Water: In crowded environments, shared water sources that are not properly cleaned can lead to the occurrence of cholera.
• Consumption of Certain Seafood: The Vibrio cholerae bacteria can settle on the shells of shellfish, such as crabs and shrimp. Consuming these types of seafood raw or undercooked can lead to cholera.
• Raw Fruits and Vegetables: In countries where cholera is common, fruits and vegetables can become infected with the cholera bacteria. Consuming raw fruits and vegetables infected with cholera-causing bacteria can result in the disease.

Except for infants who have acquired immunity from breastfeeding mothers who previously had cholera, everyone may be susceptible to cholera. However, certain factors can increase the risk of developing cholera. Some of the risk factors for cholera include:

• Poor Hygiene Conditions: In refugee camps, impoverished countries, and areas affected by famine, war, or natural disasters, it may be difficult to maintain the necessary hygiene conditions for healthy living. Cholera is more likely to develop in such regions.
• Inadequate Stomach Acid Levels: Cholera bacteria cannot thrive in acidic environments. Having the appropriate stomach acid levels can help the body defend against cholera infection. However, children, elderly adults, and those taking medications like H-2 blockers or proton pump inhibitors may have lower stomach acid levels, reducing the body’s defense against cholera.
• Living with Infected Individuals: Being in the same environment as individuals infected with cholera and sharing common items can increase the risk of cholera transmission.
• Blood Type O: Individuals with blood type O may be at higher risk of developing cholera compared to others.
• Dietary Habits: The cholera-causing bacteria can infect shellfish. Frequent consumption of shellfish can increase the risk of developing cholera.

Can Cholera Be Prevented?

Cholera is a disease that occurs in areas where necessary hygiene conditions for healthy living are not met. However, certain precautions can help prevent cholera in areas where the disease is common. Some of the preventive measures include:

• Be Cautious with Shared Spaces: After using shared spaces like toilets, washing hands frequently with soap and water, and scrubbing for at least 15 seconds before rinsing can help reduce the risk of cholera transmission.
• Choose Safe Water Sources: In areas where cholera is common, it is important to avoid contact with shared water sources and to choose only safe bottled water.
• Consume Cooked Foods: Cholera bacteria can contaminate raw food. Consuming such food raw can lead to cholera. Eating foods that are fully cooked and hot can help prevent cholera. In regions with frequent cholera outbreaks, it is important to avoid consuming raw foods, such as sushi.
• Consume Peeled Fruits and Vegetables: The consumption of fruits and vegetables with skins that are consumed directly, such as grapes, mulberries, and cucumbers, can increase the risk of cholera. Choosing fruits and vegetables like bananas, avocados, and oranges, which are peeled before consumption, can help reduce the likelihood of cholera.
• Cholera Vaccine: The cholera vaccine called Vaxchora® is recommended for individuals aged two to sixty-four who plan to travel to areas where the disease is common. This vaccine can be taken as a single oral liquid dose at least ten days before travel. While the vaccine contributes to preventing cholera, it is also essential to practice personal hygiene measures. Applying these methods can help prevent the occurrence of cholera.

How is Cholera Diagnosed?

In areas where cholera is commonly encountered, the appearance of symptoms resulting from cholera may indicate the disease. However, a laboratory test can be conducted by the doctor, where a stool sample or rectal swab is taken to examine for cholera bacteria. A stool test can help diagnose cholera.

How is Cholera Treated?

If cholera is not treated under appropriate conditions, it can pose a life-threatening risk. Therefore, early treatment of cholera is crucial. Some of the treatment methods used for cholera include:

• Rehydration: One of the most common symptoms of cholera, diarrhea, can cause the body to lose a large amount of fluids and electrolytes. Cholera can be treated simply and effectively by replacing the fluids and salts lost due to diarrhea. The main goal of rehydration therapy is to replenish the fluids and electrolytes lost during diarrhea. Patients can be treated with oral rehydration solution (ORS), a mixture of sugar and salt dissolved in one liter of clean water.
• Intravenous Fluids: In some cases, the fluid and electrolyte loss caused by cholera may not be preventable with oral rehydration therapy. In such situations, intravenous fluids may be required to treat the disease.
• Antibiotics: Antibiotics are medications that fight bacteria. Some antibiotics can reduce cholera-related diarrhea and help shorten the duration of the illness in severe cases.
• Zinc Supplements: Cholera is a disease that causes severe diarrhea. The use of zinc can help reduce the occurrence of diarrhea.

Taking preventive measures to avoid the onset of diseases is very important. Regular hospital check-ups are highly effective and crucial in managing health.

If you want to obtain detailed information about diseases like cholera and protect your health, don't neglect to go for routine hospital check-ups.