Frequent diarrhea results. In some cases, three to four gallons of fluid loss has been reported in a 24-hour period. In addition, vomiting and other symptoms often develop. Sometimes, however, an infected cholera victim will develop only mild diarrhea and can get rid of the disease through excretion. With prompt treatment, recovery is almost certain.
Treatment consists of replenishing the body's fluids until the diarrhea stops.
Sometimes antibiotics, such as tetracycline, are administered. Unfortunately, about 50 percent of all those who contract cholera are not treated and die of the disease. Cholera remains common in impoverished tropical and semitropical developing nations where poor sanitation and contaminated water are common. Clean food and drinking water can prevent cholera outbreaks. A vaccine can provide partial protection for a limited time, but the vaccine cannot prevent the spread of infection on a large scale.