Cholera: Symptoms

What are the symptoms of cholera?

Common early symptoms of cholera

You may experience symptoms of cholera anytime from a few hours to five days after becoming infected. It is important to remember that similar symptoms occur in many different diseases and are unlikely to be associated with cholera unless you have recently traveled in developing countries. Early symptoms include:

• Muscle cramps
• Profuse, watery diarrhea that is typically painless. Stools are described as having a “rice-water” appearance.
• Vomiting

Later symptoms of cholera

• As dehydration progresses, further symptoms may develop as a result of fluid loss including:
• Cold or cool skin
• Dry skin and mucous membranes (such as dry mouth)
• Excessive thirst
• Loss of skin elasticity
• Muscle cramps and weakness
• Reduced urine output
• Sunken eyes
• Weak pulse

Serious symptoms that might indicate a life-threatening condition

In some cases, dehydration resulting from cholera infection is so severe that a life-threatening situation may develop within hours. Seek immediate medical care (call 911) if you, or someone you are with, have any of the following symptoms:

• Change in level of consciousness or alertness, such as passing out or unresponsiveness
• Change in mental status or sudden behavior change, such as confusion, delirium, lethargy, hallucinations and delusions
• Fast heart rate (tachycardia)
• Greatly reduced or no urine output
• Rapid breathing rate (tachypnea)
• Weak pulse