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ICD Hub / / 1A00 - Cholera
ICD-11

ICD-11 Codes
for 1A00 - Cholera
Maja Muzhdeka February 3, 2026
Fact checked by: Teodor Jurukovski
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Understanding Cholera ICD-11 Code 1A00

Cholera is a severe, acute intestinal infection classified under ICD-11 code 1A00. It is caused by toxigenic strains of the bacterium Vibrio cholerae and has the potential to occur in outbreaks and epidemics, particularly in areas with limited access to clean water.

The disease is characterized by sudden onset of profuse watery diarrhoea and vomiting. These symptoms result in rapid loss of fluids and electrolytes. If untreated, cholera can quickly progress to hypovolemic shock, metabolic acidosis, and death.

Key Symptoms of Cholera

Symptoms can develop within hours to days after exposure. The severity depends on the volume of fluid loss and the speed of rehydration.

Common signs and symptoms
? Sudden onset of profuse watery diarrhoea often described as rice water stool
? Repeated vomiting contributing to fluid loss
? Severe dehydration with thirst, dry mouth, and sunken eyes
? Reduced or absent urination, fatigue, irritability, and signs of shock in advanced cases

What Causes Cholera

Cholera is transmitted through ingestion of food or water contaminated with toxigenic strains of Vibrio cholerae. The organisms produce cholera toxin, which disrupts intestinal fluid regulation and causes massive secretion of water into the bowel.

Major causes and risk factors
? Contaminated drinking water or food
? Infection with Vibrio cholerae serogroups O1 or O139
? Poor sanitation, inadequate hygiene, and limited access to clean water

Managing Cholera Infections

Prompt treatment is essential to prevent complications. The cornerstone of cholera management is rapid rehydration to restore circulating volume and correct electrolyte imbalance.

Treatment and management approaches
? Oral rehydration solution for mild to moderate dehydration
? Intravenous fluids for severe dehydration or hypovolemic shock
? Antibiotic therapy to shorten illness duration and reduce bacterial shedding

Are Cholera ICD codes billable

ICD-11 code 1A00 is a billable diagnosis code when supported by appropriate clinical documentation. It may be used for inpatient and outpatient encounters involving confirmed or clinically suspected cholera.

Documentation should clearly describe acute watery diarrhoea, associated vomiting, dehydration status, and laboratory confirmation when available to support accurate coding and reimbursement.

Coding and Documenting Cholera

Accurate coding is important for surveillance, outbreak control, and healthcare reporting. When cholera is confirmed, documentation may include the identified Vibrio cholerae serogroup to improve clinical specificity.

Synonyms and alternative terms
? Cholera syndrome
? Epidemic cholera

Seeking Urgent Medical Care for Cholera Symptoms

Any individual experiencing sudden onset of severe watery diarrhoea, especially when accompanied by vomiting or signs of dehydration, requires immediate medical evaluation. Early recognition and rapid fluid replacement are critical to preventing life threatening complications and reducing mortality.

Frequently asked questions

What is the ICD-11 classification meaning for Cholera (1A00)?
In ICD-11, Cholera (1A00) is classified as an infection of the intestine caused by toxigenic strains of *Vibrio cholerae* serogroups O1 and O139, and is recognized as a potentially epidemic condition. It falls under Chapter 01, "Certain infectious or parasitic diseases," and the category "Gastroenteritis or colitis of infectious origin."
How does ICD-11 distinguish Cholera (1A00) from other *Vibrio* infections?
ICD-11 specifies that Cholera (1A00) refers exclusively to infections caused by toxigenic strains of *Vibrio cholerae*. Illnesses caused by non-toxigenic *Vibrio cholerae* or other *Vibrio* species are not classified as Cholera (1A00) and are coded separately.
What is the ICD-11 rule regarding the causality of Cholera (1A00) in mortality coding?
For mortality coding in ICD-11, Cholera (1A00) is not accepted as being caused by any other conditions, including HIV disease, malignant neoplasms, or immune-compromising conditions.
Under which chapter and category is Cholera (1A00) classified in ICD-11?
Cholera (1A00) is classified under Chapter 01, "Certain infectious or parasitic diseases," and falls within the broader category of "Gastroenteritis or colitis of infectious origin."
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