A person with cholera begins experiencing symptoms within 12 hours to 5 days of becoming infected with the bacteria. Cholera presents with severe, watery diarrhea, sometimes described as rice-water stool, and vomiting. This is often accompanied by abdominal or leg cramps, dry mouth, thirst, decreased urination, and in severe cases, shock and seizures.

About 1 in 10 cholera patients experience the following:

* Profuse watery diarrhea
* Vomiting
* Abdominal and leg cramps
* Severe dehydration
* Shock
* Dry mouth
* Decreased urination
* Restlessness
* Irritability
* Low blood pressure
* Sunken eyes
* Dry mucous membranes
* Loss of skin elasticity
* Increased heart rate


Mild cholera symptoms may resolve within a few days, but dehydration can quickly become life-threatening. Therefore, early treatment is crucial to saving a person's life.

**Profuse Watery Diarrhea:** Consumption of food contaminated with *Vibrio cholerae* bacteria introduces the bacteria to the intestines, damaging the intestinal system and causing profuse, watery diarrhea. This is the most common and initial symptom of cholera.

**Vomiting:** Along with watery diarrhea, vomiting is among the most common symptoms of cholera. In cases of severe diarrhea and vomiting, seeking immediate medical attention is vital for early diagnosis and treatment.

**Severe Dehydration:** Excessive fluid loss, known as dehydration, typically develops following diarrhea. The body loses significant amounts of water, resulting in above-normal fluid loss. This fluid loss also causes dry mouth.

**Shock and Seizures:** The rapid and uncontrolled loss of bodily fluids can lead to shock. Though rare, shock and seizures can occur in cholera and represent a life-threatening situation.