How to Prevent Cholera from Spreading in Families
- Cholera is a disease spread through water and food containing cholera bacteria.
- Cholera can cause life-threatening diarrhea and vomiting.
- If you or someone in your family has cholera, take steps to keep it from spreading to others.
Prevention steps and strategies
If you or someone in your family has cholera:
- Drink and use safe water.
- Cook your food thoroughly.
- Use a flush toilet or approved septic system.
- Double bag items contaminated with poop before throwing them away.
- Remove and wash any bedding or clothing that may have had contact with diarrhea, preferably in a washing machine using warm or hot water. (Regular detergent is fine. Bleach isn't necessary.)
- Don't swim until cholera symptoms have been gone for two weeks.
- If another household member starts having diarrhea, give them oral rehydration solution (ORS) and have them see a healthcare provider immediately.
If you are caring for someone with cholera:
- Wash your hands with soap and safe water after tending to the person who is sick, especially after handling their poop.
- When possible, use rubber gloves when cleaning any room or surface that may have had contact with someone's poop.
- Clean any area or item that may have contact with the sick person's poop, including a bathroom or bedpan, as soon as soiling occurs. Use a household disinfectant or a bleach solution made up of 1 part of bleach to 9 parts of water.
- Don't serve food or drink to anyone outside of the household.
If you are visiting the home of someone with cholera:
- Don't touch contaminated surfaces.
- Wash your hands thoroughly before leaving and again when you get to your next location.
