Cholera cases are being reported from across the city, a few of whom are so severe that they had to be admitted in the ICU after being diagnosed with acute kidney injury and dehydration.Cholera is a notifiable (any disease that has to be reported to authorities by law), communicable disease. The main cause of cholera is water and food contamination. Dr Raghu J, Senior Consultant, Internal Medicine, Sakra World Hospital, said, “Many positive cases have been reported. The BBMP had been neglecting it until now. We have received four severe cases where the patients were diagnosed with acute kidney injury. The kidneys stop producing urine in such cases. But, they have all recovered.” Many working professionals, who tend to travel and eat outside, are at risk, said experts.Dr Sheela Chakravarthy, Consultant, Internal Medicine, Fortis Hospital, Bannerghatta Road, said, “Patients with cholera lose large volumes of fluid and electrolytes. This causes serious dehydration and can lead to complications like shock and kidney failure. Hence, early detection and treatment is essential.” Dr Saad Hafeez Usmani, Consultant, Internal Medicine, Columbia Asia Hospital, Whitefield, said, “We have seen eight positive cases in the past 10 days.”Dr Brunda MS, Consultant, Internal Medicine, Aster CMI Hospital, said, “As of now, there are three cholera cases in our hospital. All three patients have been admitted in the MICU. Another three patients are been suspected and are admitted in the ward. MICU cases are critical, but they are improving.”Dr. Manohar KN, Consultant, Internal Medicine, Manipal Hospitals, said two of his patients required ICU admission after eating street food. “They have completely recovered now. The treatment plan includes hydration, supportive treatment and antibiotic doxycycline. One should stop using antacid indiscriminately,” he said.Middle-aged working professionals are the most affected. Children are also being diagnosed with gastroenteritis, which could be a symptom of cholera. Dr Bindu Suresh, a general physician who runs Swathi Clinic, said she hasn’t received any positive cholera cases so far, but she’s diagnosing several stomach upset and gastroenteritis cases. “The patients have been responding well to antibiotics. We are on alert about the cholera cases,” she said, adding that one should be wary of fresh fruit juices and outside food that they consume.* Drink boiled water* Avoid outside food* Wash your hands frequently, especially before eating and after using the restroom* Start taking oral rehydration therapy if you have diarrhoea and immediately report it to the doctor