General Information About Cholera
Disease Details and Frequently Asked Questions
It is an epidemic disease where the bacteria called Vibrio cholerae settles in the small intestine and, due to the poison (toxin) it produces, draws water in the body into the intestines, causing massive amounts of diarrhea.
It is primarily transmitted by consuming contaminated drinking water infiltrated by feces in regions with inadequate infrastructure and sewage systems. The disease has a very high epidemic potential.
It is the most typical symptom of the disease. The patient goes to the toilet so frequently and in such large amounts that, after a while, there is no solid matter left in the stool. The expelled fluid resembles the white, cloudy water left over after washing rice.
The patient loses liters (10-20 liters a day) of fluid and potassium within hours. Due to this extreme dehydration (drying out), the kidneys stop, blood pressure drops, cramps occur, and if not intervened, the person dies from shock.
The clinical picture (sudden, painless, and very intense fluid loss) provides an immediate diagnosis in epidemic areas. For a definitive laboratory diagnosis, the bacteria is isolated by culturing a stool sample taken from the patient.
Its treatment is both very cheap and nearly 100% effective. The lost water and salt must be urgently given to the patient. In mild cases, an oral salt/sugar mixture (ORS solution) is given, while in severe cases, liters of Ringer's Lactate serum are given intravenously. Antibiotic (Tetracycline, etc.) therapy is applied to rapidly terminate the disease.
Our health library contents are prepared for informational purposes only and with scientific data available at the time of recording. For all your questions, concerns, diagnosis, or treatment regarding your health, please consult your doctor or a healthcare institution.
