Cholera is a serious disease that causes very watery diarrhea and vomiting.It makes the body lose water fast, which can be dangerous if not treated quickly.
🌊 What Causes Cholera?
Cholera is caused by a bacteria called Vibrio cholerae.You can’t see it, but it can live in dirty water or unclean food.When someone drinks or eats something with this bacteria, it goes into their stomach and starts making toxins (poisons).These toxins make the body push out a lot of water through diarrhea.
💧 How Does It Spread?
Cholera spreads when:
People drink dirty water
Food is washed or prepared with unclean water
Someone doesn’t wash their hands after using the toilet and touches food
Water sources (like rivers or wells) are contaminated by poop (human waste)
🚨 Main Symptoms:
Cholera symptoms start quickly, within hours or a day:
Very watery diarrhea (looks like rice water)
Vomiting
Leg cramps
Feeling tired or dizzy
Dry mouth and skin
Fast heartbeat
Little or no urine (pee)
These signs mean the person is dehydrated, which means their body is losing too much water.
⚠️ Is Cholera Dangerous?
Yes!If not treated quickly, a person can die from dehydration — sometimes in just a few hours.But don’t worry — with the right help, most people get better fast!
💊 How Do You Treat Cholera?
ORS (Oral Rehydration Solution) – special water with salts and sugar to replace lost fluids
Drinking lots of clean water
IV fluids in hospitals (for very sick people)
Antibiotics – sometimes used to kill the bacteria
🛡️ How Can We Prevent Cholera?
Drink clean water (boil it or use filters)
Wash hands with soap before eating and after using the toilet
Eat hot, cooked food (not raw or street food)
Use clean toilets and keep surroundings clean
Vaccines are available in some places to protect from cholera
🧼 Real-Life Tips to Stay Safe:
Boil water for 1–2 minutes if you’re not sure it’s clean
Don’t eat unwashed fruits or vegetables
Always wash hands after the toilet and before touching food
