Cholera symptoms typically begin suddenly, usually within 12 hours to 5 days after exposure to the bacteria *Vibrio cholerae*. The hallmark symptom is **profuse, watery diarrhea** that is often described as “rice water stools” because it looks pale, milky, and contains flecks of mucus. This diarrhea can start abruptly and continue relentlessly, leading to rapid and severe fluid loss from the body.
Alongside the diarrhea, **severe vomiting** is common. This vomiting can be persistent and violent, further contributing to dehydration by causing additional fluid loss. The combination of diarrhea and vomiting can quickly deplete the body’s fluids and essential salts.
As dehydration progresses, several physical signs become apparent. Early indicators include a **dry mouth**, **intense thirst**, and **cracked lips**. The skin may become dry and lose its elasticity, meaning when pinched, it does not bounce back quickly. The eyes often appear **sunken and hollow**, and the patient may feel **weak or drowsy**. Muscle cramps, especially in the legs and abdomen, occur due to the loss of vital salts like potassium and sodium.
In more advanced stages, dehydration causes more severe symptoms such as a **rapid heartbeat**, **low blood pressure**, and **cold, clammy skin**. The patient may become confused or lethargic, signaling that the body is struggling to maintain vital functions. In children and older adults, these symptoms can escalate quickly, sometimes leading to shock, which is a life-threatening emergency.
Another critical sign of severe dehydration is a **marked decrease or absence of urine output**, indicating that the kidneys are not receiving enough blood flow to function properly.
Unlike many infections, cholera usually does **not cause fever**, which can mislead people into thinking the illness is less serious than it actually is. This absence of fever is a distinctive feature that sets cholera apart from other gastrointestinal infections.
The illness can range from mild or even asymptomatic in some people to extremely severe in others. In severe cases, if untreated, the rapid loss of fluids can lead to death within hours due to shock and organ failure.
Symptoms generally last from two to seven days if untreated, but with prompt and proper treatment, including rehydration with oral rehydration salts or intravenous fluids, the severity and duration can be greatly reduced.
In summary, the symptoms of cholera include:
– Sudden onset of **profuse watery diarrhea** (“rice water stools”)
– **Severe vomiting**
– Signs of **dehydration**: dry mouth, intense thirst, cracked lips, dry skin, reduced skin elasticity
– **Muscle cramps** due to salt loss
– **Sunken eyes** and hollow cheeks
– **Rapid heartbeat** and low blood pressure in advanced stages
– **Cold, clammy skin**
– **Drowsiness, confusion, or lethargy**
– **Low or no urine output**
– Typically **no fever**
Recognizing these symptoms early is crucial because cholera can progress rapidly and requires immediate rehydration therapy to prevent fatal outcomes.
