The conventional wisdom in SA about the current epidemic is that for every diagnosed case of cholera, about 100 more carriers of the disease, who may not have symptoms, can spread it. It was not particularly long ago that South Africans travelling to Europe were advised to take precautions against cholera in European destinations. South Africans should heed the messages of health officials. Personal hygiene is important, and hands should be washed before and after handling food. Tap water should be used and if it is not available, boil the water or use bleach.
Diarrhoea caused by many organisms is Africa's major killer.
The diarrhoea caused by cholera typically is watery and severe. Patients can lose up to one litre of fluid an hour, so rehydration is important. The recipe for this is a litre of boiled or tap water, with eight level teaspoons of sugar and one teaspoon of salt. Antibiotics must be avoided.