Cholera
Cholera is a sudden, severe intestinal infection caused by bacteria that leads to dangerous levels of fluid loss through watery diarrhea.
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Find General PhysiciansClinical Overview
Cholera is an infection of the small intestine, which is the part of your body that digests food and absorbs water. It happens when you accidentally swallow water or food that has been contaminated with a specific type of bacteria called Vibrio cholerae.
Once these bacteria enter your digestive system, they release a toxin, or poison, that forces your intestines to flush out massive amounts of water and salts. Because your body cannot hold onto its fluids, this condition can cause you to become dehydrated, or severely low on water, very quickly if it is not treated.
Common Symptoms
- Extremely watery, pale diarrhea often described as looking like rice water.
- Sudden and intense vomiting.
- Rapid loss of body weight and skin that loses its bounce when pinched.
- Severe muscle cramps caused by the loss of essential body salts.
- Feeling very tired, weak, or thirsty.