Cholera is an acute diarrheal illness caused by infection of the intestine with the bacterium Vibrio cholerae. Most people infected with V. cholerae do not develop any symptoms, although the bacteria are present in their feces for 1-10 days after infection and are shed back into the environment, potentially infecting other people. About 1 in 10 people with cholera will experience severe symptoms, which, in the early stages, include:

• Watery diarrhea: Cholera-related diarrhea comes on suddenly and can quickly cause dangerous fluid loss — as much as a quart (about 1 liter) an hour. Diarrhea due to cholera often has a pale, milky appearance that resembles water in which rice has been rinsed.
• Nausea and vomiting: Vomiting occurs especially in the early stages of cholera and can last for hours.
• Thirst: People with cholera may feel extremely thirsty.
• Leg cramps: Leg cramps are a common symptom of cholera.
• Restlessness or irritability: People with cholera may feel restless or irritable.

Dehydration can develop within hours after cholera symptoms start and range from mild to severe. A loss of 10% or more of body weight indicates severe dehydration. Signs and symptoms of cholera dehydration include:

• Irritability: People with cholera may feel irritable.
• Fatigue: People with cholera may feel fatigued.
• Sunken eyes: Dehydration can cause the eyes to appear sunken.
• Dry mouth: People with cholera may have a dry mouth.
• Extreme thirst: People with cholera may feel extremely thirsty.
• Dry and shriveled skin: Dehydration can cause the skin to become dry and shriveled. The skin may be slow to bounce back when pinched into a fold.
• Little or no urinating: Dehydration can cause a decrease in urine output.
• Low blood pressure: Dehydration can cause low blood pressure.
• Rapid heart rate: Dehydration can cause a rapid heart rate.
• Loss of skin elasticity: Dehydration can cause a loss of skin elasticity.
• Dry mucous membranes: Dehydration can cause dry mucous membranes.
• Shock, coma, and death: Severe dehydration can lead to shock, coma, and death within hours if left untreated[[2]](https://www.cdc.gov/...