Cholera: What it is, Causes, Symptoms, Treatment & More

What is Cholera?

Cholera is an illness caused by Vibrio cholerae bacteria. It mostly affects the intestines and causes severe diarrhoea. The disease spreads through contaminated food and water. If it is not treated quickly, it can lead to rapid dehydration. Some people have only mild symptoms or none at all, but in severe cases, it can become life-threatening within hours because of extreme fluid loss. Most people get better quickly with prompt rehydration and the right medical care.

What are the Types of Cholera?

Cholera can vary based on the severity of symptoms and the strain of bacteria involved. However, there are 2 major types of cholera which are classified by spread:

How Common is Cholera in India?

Cholera remains a significant public health concern in India, especially where toilets and clean drinking water are scarce. Some studies say that there may be more cholera cases in India than what is officially reported.

Between 2011 and 2020, India reported more than 45,000 cases and over 260 deaths. Outbreaks occur throughout the year but are most common during the monsoon season, when water contamination becomes more widespread. West Bengal, Odisha, Assam and Chhattisgarh are some of the states with the highest number of cases.

What are the Symptoms of Cholera?

Symptoms of cholera may start to appear after exposure to the bacteria. Some common symptoms include:

• Excessive Thirst: You may feel extremely thirsty when your body loses fluids fast.

• Watery Diarrhoea: Frequent loose, watery stools can lead to rapid fluid loss and dehydration if not managed promptly.

• Rapid Dehydration: Severe fluid loss from the body due to diarrhoea or vomiting can lead to dehydration, which may become life-threatening if remains untreated.

• Muscle Cramps and Weakness: You can get muscle cramps and feel weak when your body loses electrolytes.

• Vomiting: Vomiting often happens in this illness and can make dehydration worse.

• Fatigue: You can feel tired and exhausted when you lose much fluid.

• Dizziness: Dehydration and low blood pressure can cause dizziness or lightheadedness.

What Causes Cholera?

Cholera occurs when people consume food or water contaminated with Vibrio cholerae bacteria. According to the WHO, the two main serogroups, O1 and O139, are responsible for cholera outbreaks. Both strains do not produce the cholera toxin and only cause mild food poisoning or wound infections.

Here is how the Cholera bacteria can enter your body:

• Raw or Undercooked Seafood: Eating raw or undercooked seafood, especially shellfish, harvested from contaminated water may increase the risk of cholera and make people sick.

• Contaminated Fruits and Vegetables: Fruits and vegetables washed with contaminated water can spread this disease faster.

• Poor Sanitation and Hygiene: Living in areas with poorly maintained toilets can make it more likely to happen.

• Food Prepared with Contaminated Water: Consuming food prepared or washed with contaminated water can increase the risk of bacterial infection.

• Contaminated Water: Drinking water contaminated with harmful bacteria can lead to infection and severe gastrointestinal illness.

What are the Complications of Cholera?

If not treated on time, cholera can cause serious health problems. Some common complications include:

• Low Potassium Levels: It can cause your potassium levels to drop, which can be dangerous for your health.

• Organ Failure: Typically, multi-organ failure may occur in severe untreated cases due to profound dehydration and shock.

• Hypovolemic Shock: Losing too much fluid can cause blood pressure to drop dangerously low, leading to shock.

• Kidney Failure: Kidneys might fail when they are not able to filter fluids and waste effectively.

• Heart Rhythm Problems: If your body's fluid balance is unstable, it can cause abnormal heart rhythms.

• Low Blood Sugar (Hypoglycaemia): Severe cholera can make it hard to eat, which may cause your blood sugar to drop too low.

When Should I See My Healthcare Provider?

The symptoms of cholera usually develop between 12 hours and 5 days after exposure. Seek medical attention immediately if you experience any of the following:

• Severe or persistent diarrhoea, particularly if it is frequent or watery.

• Signs of dehydration, such as excessive thirst, dry mouth, dizziness, reduced urination, or sunken eyes.

• Persistent vomiting that prevents you from keeping fluids down.

• Extreme weakness, muscle cramps, or unusual fatigue, which may indicate significant fluid and electrolyte loss.

• Symptoms that do not improve within a few days despite adequate hydration and treatment.

How is Cholera Diagnosed?

Doctors diagnose cholera by looking at symptoms, medical history, and lab tests. Here are some common ways to find out if someone has this disease:

How is Cholera Managed?

Treating cholera mainly focuses on replacing lost fluids and preventing complications. Here's how it can be managed:

• Antibiotics: Antibiotics may help reduce the severity of diarrhoea in severe cases.

• Intravenous (IV) Fluids: Patients who are very dehydrated may need IV fluids to rehydrate quickly.

• Oral Rehydration Solution (ORS): ORS helps replace fluids and electrolytes lost from the body.

• Zinc Supplements: These supplements can reduce the chances of diarrhoea and help children recover more quickly.

• Early Medical Treatment: Getting medical treatment early can lower the risk of serious complications.

Cholera During Pregnancy

Cholera during pregnancy can be dangerous for both the mother and baby. Both are at higher risk of dehydration and complications. Severe dehydration can even reduce blood flow to the baby and may cause early labour.

Some helpful tips that pregnant women should follow to prevent this condition are:

• Drink water that is clean and has been boiled.

• Do not eat street food when there is a cholera outbreak.

• Always wash and sanitise your hands properly.

• Stay up to date with recommended vaccinations if advised by your doctor.

• If you have diarrhoea, you should go to the doctor right away for help.

• Wash fruits and vegetables properly before consumption.

Can Cholera Be Cured?

Yes, cholera can usually be cured if you get treatment on time. Most people who have this disease can get better quickly if they drink plenty of fluids and get the medical care at the right time. Whereas in severe cases, patients may require IV fluids and antibiotics. Early diagnosis and hydration are crucial to prevent complications and reduce the risk of death.

How Can I Prevent Cholera?

You can lower the risk of getting cholera by following various preventive measures that include the following:

• Safe Water Practices: The WHO strongly emphasises drinking boiled or properly treated water, especially during outbreaks.

• Vaccination: Oral vaccines may protect people living in or travelling to high-risk areas.

• Maintain Proper Sanitation: Use clean toilets and avoid open defecation to help keep water sources safe.

• Practise Good Hand Hygiene: Wash your hands well with soap and clean water before eating and after using the toilet.

• Wash Fruits and Vegetables: Use clean, safe water to rinse them before eating or cooking to lower the risk of contamination.

• Seek Early Medical Care: If you have symptoms like severe diarrhoea or vomiting, get medical help as soon as possible. Early care can help prevent dehydration and other problems.

• Avoid Contaminated Food and Water: Stay away from food and beverages from unsafe or unhygienic sources during an outbreak.

Does Health Insurance Cover Cholera?

Most health insurance plans in india cover cholera treatment if it is medically necessary and you need to be hospitalised. This usually includes costs for doctor visits, diagnostic tests, medicines, IV fluids, hospital room charges, and other inpatient care. If you have complications like severe dehydration or an electrolyte imbalance that need intensive care, these costs are usually covered too. Coverage can still vary based on your insurer, policy type, waiting periods, and any exclusions.

How Much Health Insurance Coverage is Needed for Cholera Treatment?

The Cholera treatment cost in India depends on its severity and the level of medical care required. Usually, mild cases that can be managed on an outpatient basis may cost you around ₹1,500-₹5,000/-.

However, in severe cases requiring intensive care specialised treatment at private hospitals, the cost can range from ₹20,000 to ₹80,000 or more, depending on the patient's condition and the duration of the hospital stay.

Since cholera treatment usually involves short-term hospitalisation, IV fluids, medicines, and diagnostic tests, a health insurance plan with coverage between ₹5 lakh and ₹10 lakh is usually enough for most cases. Actual expenses can vary depending on how severe the infection is, how long you stay in the hospital, and whether there are any complications.