why does it take about 5 days for a cholera patient to recover?

Question

after IV fluids and oral rehydration is given...

Answer 1

Actually it takes more than 5 days to recover. Cholera causes severe loss of water,salt, other electrolytes,amino acids, fatty acids,enzymes,vitamins and minerals from the body. IV fluids containing all these must be given. The sudden loss of essential nutrients can be restored parentally but the administered nutrients take time to act. The endotoxins released by Vibrio cholera are not neutralised by administered antibiotics. They have to be detoxified naturally.

Answer 2

Because cholera is caused by Vibrio cholerae TOXIN and not by infection of the bacteria itself. The toxin disrupts the GI lining and allows fluid and electrolytes to leak out, causing the watery diarrhea associated with cholera. However, it takes about 5-7 days for the toxin to be cleared from the system, and for components of the GI-lining to be replaced, thus explaining the time period you mentioned.