Overview

Cholera is a bacterial infection in your gut that can cause severe, watery diarrhea. It can cause you to quickly lose electrolytes (important minerals that help your body work) and become dehydrated.

Cholera can be fatal if left untreated. Start drinking plenty of fluids if you have diarrhea. Go to the emergency room if you have severe diarrhea, severe vomiting or signs of dehydration.

Cholera most often spreads in areas without access to clean water or toileting facilities. But you can also get it from eating raw shellfish. Outbreaks can happen after heavy rainfalls and natural disasters, like earthquakes and hurricanes.

Where is cholera found?

Throughout history, there’ve been cholera outbreaks in almost every part of the world. In recent years, most outbreaks have happened in:

  • Asia.
  • Sub-Saharan Africa.
  • The Caribbean.

How common is cholera?

About 1 million to 4 million people around the world get cholera every year. Anywhere from 20,000 people to over 100,000 people die from it each year.

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Symptoms

When to see a doctor

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Complications

Blood clots are a dangerous complication of atrial fibrillation (AFib). Blood clots can lead to stroke.
The risk of stroke from AFib increases as you grow older. Other health conditions also may increase the risk of a stroke due to AFib. These conditions include:
  • High blood pressure.
  • Diabetes.
  • Heart failure.
  • Some types of heart valve disease.
Blood thinners are commonly prescribed to prevent blood clots and strokes in people with atrial fibrillation.

Prevention

Healthy lifestyle choices can reduce the risk of heart disease and may prevent atrial fibrillation (AFib). Here are some basic heart-healthy tips:
  • Control high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes.
  • Don't smoke or use tobacco.
  • Eat a diet that's low in salt and saturated fat.
  • Exercise at least 30 minutes a day on most days of the week unless your health care team says not to.
  • Get good sleep. Adults should aim for 7 to 9 hours daily.
  • Maintain a healthy weight.
  • Reduce and manage stress.


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