Key Facts on Cholera from the World Health Organization

 

  • Cholera is an acute diarrhoeal disease that can kill within hours if left untreated.
  • Cholera is a disease of poverty affecting people with inadequate access to safe water and basic sanitation.
  • Conflict, unplanned urbanization and climate change all increase the risk of cholera.
  • Researchers have estimated that each year there are 1.3 to 4.0 million cases of cholera, and 21 000 to 143 000 deaths worldwide due to cholera (1).
  • Most of those infected have no or mild symptoms and can be successfully treated with oral rehydration solution.
  • Severe cases need rapid treatment with intravenous fluids and antibiotics.
  • Provision of safe water and basic sanitation, and hygiene practices is critical to prevent and control the transmission of cholera and other waterborne diseases.
  • Oral cholera vaccines should be used in conjunction with improvements in water and sanitation to control cholera outbreaks and for prevention in areas known to be high risk for cholera.