Which of the following symptoms is primarily associated with cholera?

Severe dehydration is primarily associated with cholera due to the nature of the disease. Cholera is an acute gastroenteritis caused by the ingestion of contaminated water or food containing the Vibrio cholerae bacterium. One of the hallmark symptoms of cholera is profuse watery diarrhea, often described as “rice water” stools, which can lead to rapid loss of fluids and electrolytes from the body.

This significant fluid loss can quickly result in severe dehydration, which is characterized by symptoms such as extreme thirst, dry mouth, decreased urine output, and in severe cases, shock. In untreated cases, severe dehydration can lead to serious complications, including renal failure and death.

While confusion can occur in severe cases due to dehydration and electrolyte imbalances, it is not a primary symptom of cholera itself. High fever is not a typical symptom, as cholera usually presents with normal or slightly elevated body temperature. Similarly, severe rash is not commonly associated with cholera, as the disease primarily affects the gastrointestinal system rather than the skin. Therefore, severe dehydration stands out as a key symptom directly related to the mechanisms of cholera infection.