Travelers should take precautions with food and drinking water, even if vaccinated. When outbreaks of cholera occur, efforts should be directed toward establishing clean water, food, and sanitation because vaccination is not very effective in managing outbreaks. Depending on the condition of the person, oral or intravenous fluid will be given. Tetracycline may shorten the duration of the symptoms. This solution of sugar and electrolytes is now being used internationally.
Severe dehydration can cause death.
Given adequate fluids, most people will make a full recovery. Call your health care provider if profuse watery diarrhea develops. This illustration shows the major organs of the digestive system. Their relative sizes and positioning in the body are also demonstrated.