Vibrio Cholerae

V. cholerae is the abbreviation for Vibrio cholerae, the bacterium responsible for cholera, an intestinal infection transmitted mainly through contaminated water and food.

Common symptoms: The characteristic feature is abundant watery diarrhea, which may be accompanied by vomiting and rapidly lead to dehydration. Fluid loss is the main concern in this illness.

Prevention: Access to safe water, hand washing and hygienic handling of food are essential measures to prevent transmission, especially in areas with limited sanitation.

Who should you see? The gastroenterologist guides the workup of severe diarrhea and its follow-up; in the event of marked dehydration, care should be immediate. If very abundant diarrhea with signs of dehydration occurs, seek medical help without waiting.