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ENCYCLOPEDIA INDEX

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

Cholera

Alternative Names:

V. cholerae; Vibrio

Symptoms:

sudden onset of watery diarrhea, up to 1 liter (quart) per hour
- diarrhea has a "rice water" appearance, where the stool looks like water with flecks of rice in it
- diarrhea has a "fishy" odor
dehydration can occur rapidly
- rapid pulse (heart rate)
- dry skin
- dry mucus membranes or dry mouth
- thirst, excessive
- "glassy" eyes or sunken eyes
- no tears
- lethargy
- unusual sleepiness or tiredness
- low urine output
- sunken "soft spots" (fontanelles) in infants
abdominal cramps
nausea
vomiting

Note: Symptoms can vary from mild to severe.