Water and foodborne infection
Cholera
A bacterial diarrhoeal infection that can rapidly cause dangerous dehydration.
Explore Cholera on the monitor · Reviewed 2026-10-06
How it spreads
Food or water contaminated with the faeces of an infected person.
Symptoms and context
Watery diarrhoea, vomiting and dehydration; many infections cause mild or no symptoms.
Prevention
Use safe water, sanitation, handwashing and safe food. Oral vaccines support outbreak prevention.
When to seek advice
Start oral rehydration and obtain prompt medical care for profuse diarrhoea; severe dehydration needs emergency treatment.
On the desk
- Cholera outbreak across seven Zambian districts — evidence reviewed 2026-10-06
- Cholera reported amid Yemen's health emergency — evidence reviewed 2026-10-06
- New cholera outbreak in Sudan after May onset — evidence reviewed 2026-10-06
Read the original guidance
This is general information. Current local health guidance and professional assessment take priority for individual decisions.