Chlorine is scientifically validated as an effective intervention in the control and treatment of cholera, particularly in the context of public health. Cholera is an acute diarrheal illness caused by infection with the bacterium Vibrio cholerae, which is transmitted primarily through contaminated water. The use of chlorine is not for direct pharmacological treatment of infected individuals, but rather as a water disinfectant to prevent the spread of the disease. Chlorination of water supplies rapidly inactivates V. cholerae and is a cornerstone of both emergency response and ongoing prevention strategies recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Numerous studies and decades of outbreak management have demonstrated that chlorinated water is effective in reducing cholera transmission by killing the bacteria in drinking water and on surfaces. While oral rehydration therapy and antibiotics are used to treat individuals with cholera, chlorine’s primary role is at the community level, ensuring that the water supply is safe. International guidelines specify target chlorine concentrations that are effective against V. cholerae without causing harm to humans. Thus, the use of chlorine in cholera control is strongly supported by scientific evidence, reflected in its routine inclusion in outbreak response protocols and public health recommendations.