What is Cholera? A Doctor’s Guide to Staying Safe in 2025
Cholera is a potentially fatal bacterial disease affecting 1 to 4 million people annually, causing up to 143,000 deaths worldwide. Odisha has recently faced a severe cholera outbreak, with 24 deaths and over 2,500 people affected across nine districts.
Caused by the bacterium Vibrio cholerae, cholera spreads through contaminated food and water, particularly in areas with poor sanitation. While many infected people remain asymptomatic, the disease can lead to severe dehydration and death without timely treatment.
In this guide, we’ll cover the causes, symptoms, prevention strategies, and treatment options to help you and your community stay safe—especially during monsoon season when the risk in Odisha rises sharply.
How Cholera Spreads
Cholera is caused by the Vibrio cholerae bacterium, which infects the small intestine and produces toxins that trigger massive water loss from the body.
Infection Process
After ingestion, the bacteria attach to the intestinal lining, releasing toxins that block normal fluid absorption. This leads to rapid dehydration and loss of vital electrolytes. Symptoms can appear within 12 hours to 5 days of exposure.
Common Sources of Contamination
- Contaminated water – especially from public sources, wells, or floodwater
- Raw or undercooked seafood – especially shellfish from polluted areas
- Raw fruits/vegetables – grown or washed with contaminated water
- Street food – particularly if hygiene standards are poor
- Cooked grains like rice – left at room temperature too long
The risk of outbreaks increases in Odisha during monsoons, when flooding contaminates water sources.
Is Cholera Bacterial or Viral?
Cholera is a bacterial infection caused by toxigenic Vibrio cholerae strains, particularly serogroups O1 and O139. It does not spread through coughing or touching but requires ingestion of contaminated food or water.
Recognizing Symptoms Early
Early detection of cholera can save lives. Most cases are mild or asymptomatic, but about 1 in 10 people develop severe illness.
Common Symptoms
- Sudden onset of watery diarrhea (“rice-water” appearance)
- Vomiting, especially early in the infection
- Leg cramps and muscle weakness
- Irritability, restlessness, and rapid heart rate
- Dehydration signs – dry mouth, sunken eyes, low skin elasticity
What Are Rice-Water Stools?
This term refers to pale, milky diarrhea with a fishy odor and mucus streaks – a hallmark sign of cholera.
When to Seek Help
Get immediate medical attention if you or someone shows:
- 3+ loose stools in a day during an outbreak
- Signs of dehydration (dry mouth, extreme thirst)
- Rapid weight or fluid loss
Severe dehydration can cause death in under 12 hours without treatment.
Cholera Symptoms in Children
Children often have the same symptoms as adults but are more vulnerable to complications:
- Faster heart rate
- Lethargy or sleepiness
- Sunken eyes or absence of tears
- Risk of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), which may lead to unconsciousness
Parents in Odisha should be especially vigilant during monsoon months.
Prevention: Stay Protected in 2025
Safe Water Practices
- Boil water for at least 1 minute before drinking
- Use chlorine tablets or approved purification solutions
- Use filters with 0.3-micron pores or smaller
- Store water in clean, covered containers
Food Hygiene Tips
- Follow: “Boil it, peel it, or leave it”
- Cook food thoroughly, especially seafood
- Peel fruits and avoid eating raw unpeeled items
- Reheat leftovers fully before eating
Handwashing Matters
- Wash hands with soap and water before eating or preparing food
- Wash after using toilets, cleaning children, or caring for the sick
- Use 60%+ alcohol sanitizers if soap isn’t available
Community Sanitation
- Use toilets or dig temporary latrines away from water sources
- Don’t bathe or wash near drinking water points
- Support local drives to chlorinate water tanks and promote hygiene
Cholera Vaccination: Who Needs It?
Oral cholera vaccines like Dukoral®, Euvichol-Plus®, and Vaxchora® offer short-term protection and are recommended for:
- Residents of outbreak-prone areas
- People in humanitarian crisis zones
- Travelers to endemic regions
However, vaccines are not a substitute for clean water and hygiene.
Cholera Treatment & Emergency Actions
Oral Rehydration Solution (ORS)
ORS is the first line of treatment. It replaces lost fluids and electrolytes and can be made at home:
- Mix 6 tsp sugar + ½ tsp salt in 1 liter of boiled water
Children aged 6 months to 5 years should also receive zinc supplements for faster recovery.
Antibiotics
Used in moderate to severe cases, antibiotics like:
- Doxycycline
- Azithromycin
- Ciprofloxacin
These reduce fluid loss and shorten illness duration.
Intravenous (IV) Fluids
For those who lose over 10% of body weight in fluids, IV rehydration is necessary.
Ringer’s lactate is typically used to restore electrolytes and prevent shock.
What to Do if Symptoms Appear
- Start ORS immediately, even en route to a clinic
- Avoid sugary drinks – they worsen diarrhea
- Continue breastfeeding for infants
- Get medical help as soon as possible
Precautions During an Outbreak
- Share verified information via radio, texts, or social media
- Healthcare workers should use gloves, masks, and follow hand hygiene
- Monitor symptoms closely in children and elderly
Travel Tips to High-Risk Areas
- Carry ORS packets, chlorine tablets, and bottled water
- Avoid raw food or unsealed water
- Remember: “Boil it, cook it, peel it, or forget it“
Conclusion: Simple Steps Can Save Lives
Cholera continues to be a serious threat during Odisha’s monsoon season. But with basic preventive steps—like boiling water, practicing hygiene, and seeking early treatment—it can be controlled.
SimpleeKare Health urges residents of Bhubaneswar and nearby areas to stay informed and take proactive steps. If you or a loved one experiences cholera symptoms, visit the nearest healthcare center or book an online consultation at SimpleeKare for immediate help.