Cholera

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Digestive system

Digestive system organs

V. cholerae; Vibrio

• Sudden onset of watery diarrhea, up to 1 liter (quart) per hour
  • Diarrhea has a "rice water" appearance -- the stool looks like water with flecks of rice in it
  • Diarrhea has a "fishy" odor
• Dehydration can occur rapidly
  • Rapid pulse (heart rate)
  • Dry skin
  • Dry mucous membranes or dry mouth
  • Excessive thirst
  • Glassy eyes or sunken eyes
  • Lack of tears
  • Lethargy
  • Unusual sleepiness or tiredness
  • Low urine output
  • Sunken "soft spots" (fontanelles) in infants
• Abdominal cramps
• Nausea
• Vomiting

Note: Symptoms can vary from mild to severe.

• Gram stain and stool culture show cholera
• Blood culture may show cholera

Review Date: 11/07/2005
Reviewed By: Cyrus Badshah, M.D., Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Clinical Medicine, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University; Assistant Attending Physician, Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases & Medical Director, Chest (TB) Clinic and Directly Observed Therapy Program, Harlem Hospital Center. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.