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Cholera
6-minute read
Key facts
- Cholera is an illness caused by the Vibrio cholerae bacteria.
- You can get cholera from drinking water or eating food that's been contaminated with the bacteria.
- Most people infected with cholera will get mild gastro like symptoms.
- If your infection is very bad, you can become severely dehydrated and may die if not treated.
- You are more likely to get cholera if you travel to countries with poor sanitation.
What is cholera?
Cholera is an illness that causes bad diarrhoea. It's caused by infection with the Vibrio cholerae bacteria.
Cholera is most often found in parts of the world with poor quality water and sanitation. This is often caused by poverty, war or displacement.
Cholera is rare in Australia. Between 2 and 6 cases of cholera occur each year.
What are the symptoms of cholera?
Symptoms of cholera are:
- sudden watery diarrhoea
- nausea and vomiting
- dehydration
Some people only have mild diarrhoea or don't have any symptoms.
About 1 in 20 people have a bad cholera infection.
Symptoms can appear within a few hours of infection. Most often, symptoms take 2 to 3 days to appear.
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What causes cholera?
Cholera is caused by infection of your intestine with the Vibrio cholerae bacteria.
You can get cholera from:
- drinking contaminated water
- eating food that is contaminated with the bacteria
- eating fish or shellfish from contaminated waters
Cholera is often spread by contact with the faeces (poo) of an infected person.
The illness spreads rapidly in areas that don't have clean drinking water and good sanitation.
Where is cholera found?
The cholera bacteria is in some rivers on the east Australian coast. But very few people get cholera in Australia. This is because of:
- good sanitation
- good water quality
- good food quality
Nearly all cholera cases in Australia happen in people who were infected overseas.
Cholera is common in:
- Africa
- Asia
- Central Europe
- Latin America
When should I see my doctor?
It's important to speak to your doctor if you have cholera symptoms. If not treated, cholera can be fatal (cause death).
Cholera is a notifiable disease. This means that cases of cholera need to be reported to the local health authorities.
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How is cholera diagnosed?
A sample of your faeces (poo) will be tested for the bacteria that causes cholera.
How is cholera treated?
Cholera is treated with oral rehydration solution. This replaces fluid and salts lost through diarrhoea.
You can buy oral rehydration solutions from your pharmacy and supermarket.
If you have severe dehydration, you will need to go to hospital. In hospital, you will receive rehydration solution through a drip (intravenous fluids).
Sometimes people with cholera may be given antibiotics. Antibiotics can decrease the length and severity of your illness.
What are the complications of cholera?
Cholera can lead to severe dehydration. Severe dehydration can cause complications such as:
- kidney failure
- hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar)
- muscle cramps
- sepsis — in people with a weak immune system of liver disease
- bowel problems — due to severe diarrhoea
In Australia, death from cholera is rare. Less than 1 in 100 people die if they get treatment.
Can cholera be prevented?
To avoid cholera when travelling, always eat and drink safe food and water.
Safety tip
Remember: “Boil it, cook it, peel it or forget it”.
Safe food choices are:
- fruit you can peel
- cooked foods
- bottled drinks
Assume that all water and ice is contaminated. If you can't get bottled water, there are ways you can sterilise your water. One way is to boil your water for at least 5 minutes. You can also use water purification tablets.
Wash your hands with soap and running water (or use hand sanitiser):
- before handling food
- before you eat
- after using the toilet
You should avoid:
- raw or undercooked meat and seafood
- food and drinks from street vendors
- raw fruits and vegetables (including salads)
- any foods contaminated by flies or dirty hands
Cholera vaccination
Vaccination against cholera isn't generally advised.
You may need a cholera vaccination if you:
- are travelling to a country where there is a greater chance of getting cholera
- a greater chance of cholera exposure, such as from doing humanitarian work
- reduced immunity or a chronic disease that will get worse with dehydration
Resources and support
For more information on cholera, visit the Department of Health and Aged Care's web page on travel immunisation.
If you need to know more about cholera, or need advice on what to do next, call the healthdirect helpline on 1800 022 222 (known as NURSE-ON-CALL in Victoria). A registered nurse is available to speak with you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.