How to Prevent Cholera from Spreading in Families

Key points

  • 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.
Gloved hands holding a rag and spray bottle while cleaning a toilet

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.
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Content Source:
National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases (NCEZID)