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| Infectious Disease Factsheet | Cholera is a diarrhoeal disease caused by ingesting contaminated food or water. When in developing countries avoid water that is not boiled or bottled and food that is not served hot or fruit, unless peeled yourself. |
Cholera |
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Last updated: 28 November 2007 What is cholera?Cholera is a severe diarrhoeal illness caused by infection with cholera bacteria, Vibrio cholerae. In some developing countries, Vibrio cholerae bacteria contaminates drinking water, uncooked seafood and other foods. What are the symptoms?Symptoms begin from a few hours to up to five days after infection. Symptoms include sudden onset of severe, watery diarrhoea, sometimes with vomiting. In developing countries, up to 50 per cent of cases die from dehydration and kidney failure. Infection without symptoms or with only mild diarrhoea also occurs, particularly in children. How is it spread?Cholera is usually spread through:
Who is at risk?People who are most likely to get cholera are travellers to developing countries where cholera occurs. How is it prevented?If you are diagnosed with cholera:
People who have shared the same exposures as someone diagnosed with cholera (i.e. shared food or drink from the same source) should see a doctor and be tested. Imported white bait, shellfish and other seafood eaten whole should be cooked thoroughly before consumption. When travelling to developing countries where cholera occurs do NOT:
DO:
How is it diagnosed?Laboratory tests are required to identify the bacteria from a faecal specimen. Specialist tests are needed to confirm that the bacteria carries the cholera toxin. How is it treated?Cholera can be treated with fluids and salts. Patients are treated with oral rehydration solution, a solution of sugar and salt water and drunk in large amounts. Severe cases may require intravenous fluid replacement. With prompt rehydration, fewer than 1% of cholera patients die. Antibiotics can shorten the course and reduce the severity of the illness, but they are not as important as rehydration. Persons who develop severe diarrhoea and vomiting in countries where cholera occurs should seek medical attention promptly. What is the public health response?Laboratories and hospitals are required to notify cases of cholera to the local Public Health Unit under the Public Health Act, 1991. Public Health Units investigate cases to identify possible sources of infection and to prevent spread. |
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| Further information - Public Health Units in NSW | |||||
| For more information please contact your doctor, local public health unit or community health centre - look under NSW Government at the front of the White Pages | |||||
| Metropolitan Areas | Location | Number | Rural Areas | Location | Number |
| Northern Sydney/Central Coast | Hornsby | 02 9477 9400 | Greater Southern | Goulburn | 02 4824 1837 |
| Gosford | 02 4349 4845 | Albury | 02 6080 8900 | ||
| South Eastern Sydney/Illawarra | Randwick | 02 9382 8333 | Greater Western | Broken Hill | 08 8080 1499 |
| Wollongong | 02 4221 6700 | Dubbo | 02 6841 5569 | ||
| Sydney South West | Camperdown | 02 9515 9420 | Bathurst | 02 6339 5601 | |
| Sydney West | Penrith | 02 4734 2022 | Hunter/New England | Newcastle | 02 4924 6477 |
| Parramatta | 02 9840 3603 | Tamworth | 02 6767 8630 | ||
| Justice Health Service | Matraville | 02 9311 2707 | North Coast | Port Macquarie | 02 6588 2750 |
| Lismore | 02 6620 7500 | ||||

