In more severe cases, intravenous administration of fluids may be required. Additionally, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention states that antibiotics may shorten the course and diminish the severity of the illness. Immediate treatment is critical for a successful outcome because death from cholera can occur within just a few hours. Without rehydration, approximately half the people with cholera die according to the World Health Organization (Cholera). However, when treated promptly, the number of fatalities drops to less than one percent.

Cholera Prevention

To prevent cholera, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, recommends that travelers to parts of Africa, Asia, or Latin America where epidemic cholera is occurring take the following measures:

Drink only water that you have boiled or treated with chlorine or iodine. Other safe beverages include tea and coffee made with boiled water and carbonated, bottled beverages with no ice.

Eat only foods that have been thoroughly cooked and are still hot, or fruit that you have peeled yourself.

Avoid undercooked or raw fish or shellfish, including ceviche.

Make sure all vegetables are cooked avoid salads.

Avoid foods and beverages from street vendors.

Do not bring perishable seafood back to the United States.

Although there is an oral vaccine available to prevent cholera called Dukoral, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention does not recommend...

Symptoms can become severe, even fatal without immediate treatment. Fortunately, treatment by either oral or intravenous rehydration is straightforward and effective. While the disease is obscure in the United States, it does occur in parts of Africa, Asia and Latin America where travelers must take precautions to make sure their water and food is safe.
Bibliography

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. http://www.cdc.gov/nczved/dfbmd/disease_listing/cholera_gi.html

Cholera. Medical College of Wisconsin. http://healthlink.mcw.edu/article/954988124.html

Cholera. World Health Organization. http://www.who.int/topics/cholera/en/

Cholera complications. MayoClinic.com. http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/cholera/DS00579/DSECTION=complications

Cholera symptoms. MayoClinic.com. http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/cholera/DS00579/DSECTION=symptoms

Cholera tests and diagnosis. MayoClinic.com http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/cholera/DS00579/DSECTION=tests%2Dand%2Ddiagnosis

Handa, S. (2007, November 20). Cholera. eMedicine. http://www.emedicine.com/med/TOPIC351.htm

Vibrio cholerae Serogroup O1. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. http://vm.cfsan.fda.gov/~mow/chap7.html