What are the symptoms of Cholera?
Most people infected with cholera do not develop symptoms, but the bacteria is present in their feces for up to 10 days after infection. A majority of people who have symptoms will experience mild or moderate symptoms. It can take up to five days for someone to show symptoms.
About one in 10 people will develop severe symptoms, including:
- Watery diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Thirst
- Leg cramps
- Restlessness or irritability
Profuse watery diarrhea can also lead to severe dehydration. Signs of dehydration include rapid heart rate, low blood pressure, loss of skin elasticity and dry mucous membranes.
If left untreated, severe dehydration can lead to kidney failure, shock, coma and potentially death.
What is the treatment for Cholera?
Most people will not show symptoms and will not require treatment for cholera. Only about 10 percent of people may require treatment from a healthcare provider. When cholera patients are treated quickly, they usually recover fully without any consequences.
Most cholera patients are treated with rehydration therapy, including oral rehydration solutions, IV fluids and electrolytes to help them overcome dehydration. Patients may also receive antibiotics and zinc supplements.
When should I get the Cholera vaccine?
A cholera vaccine was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2016. The vaccine, Vaxchora®, can reduce the chance of severe diarrhea from cholera in people by 90 percent at 10 days after vaccination and 80 percent at three months after vaccination.
The vaccine is recommended for adults ages 18 to 64 who plan to travel to cholera-affected areas. Travelers should receive a single oral dose of the vaccine at least 10 days before traveling to an affected area.
The vaccine is not regularly recommended for most people traveling outside of the U.S. It is currently just recommended for those traveling to a high-risk area.
Side effects from the cholera vaccine are not common but may include fatigue, headache, nausea and vomiting, loss of appetite and diarrhea.