Cholera Treatment 

How Is Cholera Treated? 

In countries where  cholera occurs, people who develop severe vomiting and diarrhea should seek medical attention right away. When a cholera diagnosis is made, treatment should begin immediately. If started early, cholera symptoms and complications can  be minimized. Treatment for cholera typically includes: 

• Antibiotics (medicine that can kill the bacteria) 
• Fluid replacement. 

Antibiotics 

Antibiotics may be used as cholera treatment. Although they are not necessary to cure cholera, antibiotics typically shorten the course and diminish the severity of the illness. Medicine is not as important as rehydration.
  
Fluid Replacement 

In most cases, cholera  can be treated simply and successfully by immediately replacing  the salts and fluids that are  lost through diarrhea. Fluid replacement usually involves an oral rehydration solution, which is  a prepackaged mixture of sugar and salts that is mixed with water and drunk in large amounts. This solution is used throughout the world to treat diarrhea.
 
In severe cases, treatment for cholera may  also require intravenous (IV) fluid replacement.
  
Prognosis  With Proper Treatment for Cholera 

As long  as cholera treatment  is started  in a timely manner  and in adequate volumes,  the mortality rate  is well below 1 percent. Without  proper treatment, the mortality rate  is between 25  and 50 percent. 

Notes: Dr. M. Kristine Schlossberg

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EditText of this page (last edited February 17, 2010)