Cholera (O1, O139, or toxigenic)

Disease Information

Cholera is an acute, diarrheal illness caused by infection of the intestine with the bacterium Vibrio cholerae. The infection is often mild or without symptoms, but sometimes it can be severe. Approximately one in 20 infected persons has severe disease characterized by profuse watery diarrhea, vomiting, and leg cramps. In these persons, rapid loss of body fluids leads to dehydration and shock. Without treatment, death can occur within hours. Also see: Vibrio Infection.

Disease Reporting

What is required?

Health Care Providers and Clinical Laboratories

Health care providers and clinical laboratories are required by law to report cases and suspect cases of cholera to local health departments immediately, day or night. Call 971-673-1111 to reach the state health department doctor on call.

• Health care providers: Use our secure web-based confidential reporting system – OR – use the confidential PDF reporting form.
• See How and Where to Report for more information and local health department contacts.

Cases are subject to restriction on school and day-care attendance, food handling, and patient care for the duration of any diarrhea and/or vomiting.

For Tribal and Local Public Health Authorities

• Vibrio and Grimontia hollisae Investigative Guidelines (pdf). Use for all Vibrio infection (cholera, vulnificus, etc.).
• Vibrio Illness (CDC's Cholera and other Vibrio Illness Surveillance [COVIS]) Report Form (pdf)

See Also

• CDC's cholera website