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Cholera

What is cholera?
What are the symptoms of cholera?
How is cholera spread?
How can I prevent cholera infections?
What should I do if I suspect I am ill with cholera?

What is cholera?

Cholera is an acute intestinal infection caused by Vibrio cholerae bacteria, which can be found in contaminated water or food (particularly undercooked or raw shellfish and fish).

What are the symptoms of cholera?

Most people who get infected with cholera do not become ill; however, the bacteria can be detected in their feces for 7 to 14 days. When illness does occur, infection causes only mild or moderate diarrhea in roughly 90 per cent of individuals. In 5 to 10 per cent of cases, people develop severe, watery diarrhea and vomiting 1 to 5 days after being exposed to the bacteria. The person’s stool is typically colourless with flecks of mucous, and looks like rice in water.

Cholera can be a life-threatening illness, but infection can be prevented. If a person does become infected, they can be treated effectively with fluids and antibiotics. In severe cases that go untreated, death may occur within a few hours.

How is cholera spread?

Cholera is spread through contaminated water and food (particularly undercooked or raw shellfish and fish), by eating or drinking food or water contaminated by people who are infected, or through exposure to feces of an infected person. Cholera can spread very quickly in areas where sewage and drinking water are poorly treated.

How can I prevent cholera infections?

1. A vaccine that protect against cholera is available. Visit a travel health clinic before travelling to areas where cholera may be a concern to discuss vaccination.
2. When travelling out of country, take food and water precautions:

• Boil it, cook it, peel it or leave it!
• Always wash your hands before eating and drinking. Use soap and warm running water or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
• Only eat food that has been well cooked and is still hot when served. Avoid uncooked foods, especially shellfish and salads.
• Drink and use ice only from purified water that has been boiled or disinfected with chlorine or iodine, or commercially bottled water in sealed containers.
• Carbonated drinks, including beer, are usually safe.
• Brush your teeth with purified or bottled water.
• Avoid unpasteurized dairy products.
• Avoid food from street vendors.
• Avoid swimming, wading, bathing, or washing clothing in polluted or contaminated water.

What should I do if I suspect that I am ill with cholera?

Please consult with a health care provider.

More information on cholera can be found at the following websites:

Public Health Agency of Canada
World Health Organization
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

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