The diarrhea is not bloody and there is no fever. Vomiting generally occurs but is not associated with nausea. Without treatment, death can occur within hours. Diagnosis Cholera must be distinguished from other causes of travelers' diarrhea caused by E. coli, Shigella, Salmonella, viruses, and parasites. The lack of blood, mucus, or pus in the stools of cholera victims is a distinguishing feature.
Treatment Managing the effects of dehydration is the mainstay of treatment.
If you can drink sufficient fluids, you can prevent serious dehydration. Oral rehydration solutions are essential, and their prompt use has saved many lives. If the diarrhea is very profuse and exceeds what individuals can drink, or if they are vomiting and can't drink, hospitalization and intravenous therapy will be necessary. If there is an appreciable delay in getting to a hospital, then tetracycline should be taken. The adult dose is 250 mg four times daily.