Cholera

Cholera is an acute diarrheal infection that is caused by ingesting food and water contaminated by bacteria Vibrio cholerae.

Signs and symptoms of cholera infection include a rapid onset of massive diarrhea (rice water appearance), dehydration, vomiting, irritability, low blood pressure, and rapid heart rate amongst others.

Maintaining adequate hydration through oral or iv rehydration solutions (ORS and Ringer lactate solution)  is the cornerstone approach of the treatment. Antibiotics are prescribed in severe cases once the hydration status is maintained. 

Preventive measures include maintaining proper hand hygiene, drinking safe water and consuming non-contaminated foods. Oral cholera vaccine is also available but its use is usually limited to areas of cholera outbreaks.