Cholera: What You Need to Know

What Is Cholera?

Cholera is an acute diarrhoeal disease caused by bacteria. It occurs when a person consumes food or water contaminated with cholera bacteria. The disease can cause severe diarrhoea and dehydration and may lead to death if not treated promptly.

The good news is that cholera is preventable and treatable with the right measures.

How Cholera Spreads

Cholera spreads through what is commonly known as the “5 Fs”:

• Fluids: Drinking untreated or contaminated water

• Fingers: Eating with unwashed hands after using the toilet or handling waste

• Flies: Flies transfer germs from faeces to food

• Food: Eating food contaminated by dirty hands, flies, or unsafe water

• Fields/Floors: Contact with soil contaminated by faeces, often due to open defecation

Cholera is highly infectious, and symptoms can appear between 12 hours and 5 days after exposure.

Signs and Symptoms of Cholera

Many people experience mild or no symptoms, but others may develop severe illness. Common symptoms include:

• Large amounts of watery diarrhoea (often described as “rice-water” stool)

• Vomiting

• Dehydration

• Leg cramps

• Weakness

Even people without symptoms can still spread cholera, as the bacteria may be present in their faeces for several days.

How to Protect Yourself and Your Family

Preventing cholera starts with good hygiene and safe practices:

• Wash hands with soap and running water before eating and after using the toilet

• Drink and use safe, treated water

• Keep toilets clean and properly maintained

• Use oral cholera vaccines (OCV) where recommended, especially in high-risk areas

Note: Vaccines reduce risk but do not eliminate it entirely.

What to Do If Someone Has Cholera

Act quickly—do not panic.

• Give the sick person plenty of fluids immediately

• Use Oral Rehydration Solution (ORS) or a salt-sugar solution made with safe water

• Continue breastfeeding children, even while seeking treatment

• Visit the nearest health facility or designated cholera treatment centre as soon as possible

Early treatment saves lives.

Final Reminder

Cholera prevention is key.
Wash your hands. Drink safe water. Act fast if symptoms appear.

This information is adapted from guidance by the Ministry of Health and Child Care (Zimbabwe) and the World Health Organization (WHO).

Cholera prevention is key. Wash your hands. Drink safe water. Act fast if symptoms appear.