Cholera in Children
What is cholera in children?
Cholera is an infectious disease caused by bacteria. Your child can get cholera if
they eat food or drink water that is contaminated with the bacteria.
Cholera is a health problem in many developing countries. It’s mainly found in Africa,
South Asia, and in the Caribbean (Haiti and the Dominican Republic). It is rare in
developed countries like the U.S. But there have been some outbreaks in the U.S. They
have been caused by contaminated seafood that travelers have brought into the country.
The acids in your stomach and digestive tract can kill small amounts of the cholera
bacteria. Because of this, most infected people will not have any symptoms. But the
bacteria are still in their stool for 7 to 14 days. During that time, they can infect
other people. This is especially true if they have poor hygiene habits.
What causes cholera in a child?
The cholera bacteria are often found in water supplies made unclean because of the
unsanitary disposal of stool. Cholera is rarely passed from one person to another.
In areas where the germ is found, it is often spread by drinking water or eating food
from:
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City water supplies
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Ice made from city water
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Foods and drinks bought from street vendors
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Vegetables irrigated with fresh sewage
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Raw or improperly cooked fish and seafood taken from waters polluted with sewage
What are the symptoms of cholera in a child?
Most children who get symptoms have a mild to moderate upset stomach. Worse cases
may cause vomiting and watery diarrhea, called “rice-water stools.” These symptoms
may lead to dehydration. Signs and symptoms may include:
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A very rapid heart rate
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Dry mucous membranes
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Very low blood pressure
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Muscle cramps
If untreated, severe dehydration can lead to shock and death. Those with weak immune
systems are at greater risk of dying from the infection.
How is cholera diagnosed in a child?
Your child's healthcare provider will ask about your child's past health and travel
history. Your child will also need an exam, as well as blood and stool tests.
How is cholera treated in a child?
For diarrhea that is worse than normal, talk with your child's healthcare provider.
Don’t treat it on your own. Seek medical help if diarrhea becomes severe and watery,
or if vomiting happens. Don't use antidiarrheal medicines for cholera.
Treatment will depend on your child's symptoms, age, and general health. It will also
depend on how severe the condition is.
Your child may need to be rehydrated with fluids. Your healthcare provider may prescribe
antibiotics to help your child get better faster.
What are possible complications of cholera in a child?
If left untreated, diarrhea from cholera can cause severe dehydration. That can lead
to shock and even death.
What can I do to prevent cholera in my child?
One of the best ways to prevent cholera is to wash your child's hands often.
If you are traveling in an area where cholera is common, only use water that has been
boiled or chemically disinfected for:
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Drinking or making beverages such as tea or coffee
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Brushing your teeth
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Washing your face and hands
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Washing fruits and vegetables
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Washing eating utensils and food preparation equipment
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Washing the surfaces of tins, cans, and bottles that contain food or beverages
Don't let your child eat or drink foods or beverages from unknown sources. Any raw
food could be contaminated, including:
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Fruits, vegetables, and salad greens
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Unpasteurized milk and milk products
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Raw meat
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Shellfish
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Any fish caught in tropical reefs rather than the open ocean
The U.S. does not currently have an available vaccine against cholera. Vaccines may
be available abroad. Your child's healthcare provider may advise it if your child's
chance of exposure is high. At this time, no country requires the vaccine for entry
if a person arrives from a country with the disease. None of the vaccines are fully
effective, though, so preventing exposure is the most important thing you can do.
When should I call my child's healthcare provider?
Call your child's healthcare provider if their symptoms return or get worse, or if
they have new ones.
Key points about cholera in children
-
Cholera is an infectious disease caused by bacteria. Your child can get cholera if
they eat or drink foods that are contaminated with the bacteria.
-
The cholera bacteria are usually found in unclean water supplies because of the unsanitary
disposal of stool.
-
Cholera is mainly found in Africa, South Asia, and the Caribbean.
-
Cholera can cause severe diarrhea. That may make your child dehydrated. If left untreated,
this can lead to severe dehydration, shock, and even death.
-
To prevent cholera, wash your child's hands often. Only provide your child boiled
or disinfected water. Do not let your child eat food from unknown sources.
Next steps
Tips to help you get the most from a visit to your healthcare provider:
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Know the reason for your visit and what you want to happen.
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Before your visit, write down questions you want answered.
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Bring someone with you to help you ask questions and remember what your provider tells
you.
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At the visit, write down the name of a new diagnosis and any new medicines, treatments,
or tests. Also write down any new instructions your healthcare provider gives you.
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Know why a new medicine or treatment is prescribed and how it will help you. Also
know what the side effects are and when they should be reported.
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Ask if your condition can be treated in other ways.
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Know why a test or procedure is recommended and what the results could mean.
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Know what to expect if you do not take the medicine or have the test or procedure.
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If you have a follow-up appointment, write down the date, time, and purpose for that
visit.
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Know how you can contact your healthcare provider if you have questions, especially
after office hours and on weekends and holidays.