Oral Cholera Vaccine (OCV) Field Manual for Volunteers

Cholera is an acute diarrhoeal infection caused by ingestion of food or water contaminated with the bacterium Vibrio cholerae. Its main symptom is acute watery diarrhoea and severe dehydration (loss of liquid). Not everybody that gets infected with cholera develops symptoms but still, they can contaminate other people. The majority of people can be treated successfully through prompt administration of oral rehydration solution. However, people with severe dehydration are at risk of shock and require the rapid administration of intravenous fluids in a health care facility. Good hygiene practices and water treatment is key in the prevention and containment of cholera.