Cholera

Cholera is a bacterial infection caused by Vibrio cholerae, which spreads through contaminated water or food. It leads to severe diarrhoea and dehydration and can be life-threatening if not treated promptly. While rare in the UK, travellers to affected regions should take precautions.

Symptoms of Cholera

Symptoms can develop quickly and include:

• Severe watery diarrhoea (often described as "rice-water stools")
• Dehydration (dry mouth, dizziness, rapid heartbeat)
• Nausea and vomiting
• Muscle cramps due to electrolyte loss

If untreated, severe dehydration can lead to shock or kidney failure.

When to Seek Medical Help

Seek urgent medical attention if you or someone you know:

• Has severe diarrhoea and vomiting after visiting a high-risk area
• Shows signs of dehydration (sunken eyes, reduced urine output)
• Has persistent symptoms despite rehydration efforts

Treatment for Cholera

The main treatment involves:

• Oral rehydration solutions (ORS) to replace lost fluids
• Intravenous (IV) fluids in severe cases
• Antibiotics (in some cases to reduce severity)

At Neem Tree Pharmacy in Abbeywood, we provide ORS and expert advice on managing dehydration.

Preventing Cholera

If travelling to high-risk areas, take these precautions:

• Drink only boiled or bottled water
• Avoid raw or undercooked seafood
• Wash hands frequently with soap
• Consider a cholera vaccine if recommended

Cholera Vaccination

The oral cholera vaccine (Dukoral) is available for travellers. It provides partial protection and should be combined with safe food and water practices.

Visit Neem Tree Pharmacy for Expert Advice

If you’re concerned about cholera or need travel health advice, our pharmacy team in Abbeywood can help. We stock rehydration treatments and provide guidance on staying safe abroad.
Visit us at Neem Tree Pharmacy in Abbeywood or contact us for more information.