Drugs
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Cholera is a dramatic clinical illness that requires rapid diagnosis and aggressive therapy. Clinical signs and symptoms of mild, moderate and severe dehydration must be determined, before beginning fluid therapy. Fluid therapy has 2 phases: rehydration (first 3 to 4 hours to correct deficits) and maintenance (to match continuing losses). ⋯ For most patients with cholera, an ORS using one of the higher sodium-containing solutions and plain water optimally provide the fluid and salt needed. Close monitoring of intake, outputs and hydration status should be performed for all patients. Antimicrobial therapy should be given to moderately and severely ill patients in order to decrease the volume of fluids lost and to shorten the period of excretion of vibrios.