Infection Control Guide for Family Members of Patients with Suspect or Confirmed Cholera

Drink and use safe water
Cook food thoroughly
Wash hands with soap and safe water after caring for the patients, and especially after handling fecal matter
Remove and wash any bedding or clothing that may have had contact with diarrheal stool, preferably in a washing machine, in warm or hot water. Usual machine detergents are sufficient; bleach is not necessary.
Use a flush toilet or approved septic system; double bag soiled materials when discarding in trash.
Use any household disinfectant or a 1:10 dilution of bleach solution (1 part bleach to 9 parts water) to clean any area that may have contact with fecal matter, including the patient’s bathroom, bedpan, as soon as possible after being soiled.
When possible, use rubber gloves when cleaning any room or surface that may have had contact with the patient’s fecal matter.
Patients with cholera should not swim while ill with diarrhea or for 2 weeks after resolution of symptoms.
If a household member develops acute, watery diarrhea, administer oral rehydration solution (ORS) and seek healthcare immediately
While caring for persons who are ill with cholera, do not serve food or drink to persons who are not household members
Visitors can be allowed if the ill person wants company; visitors should also observe hand hygiene recommendations

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