A man in his 80s has died from a suspected case of cholera in what is believed to be the first cholera-related death recorded in Britain in more than 100 years.

The pensioner, a father of two, became unwell at his home last week, experiencing severe sickness and diarrhoea. As his condition deteriorated, he was admitted to George Eliot Hospital in Nuneaton, Warwickshire, where he was immediately placed in isolation.

Medical staff later informed the family that tests indicated he had contracted cholera, a rare waterborne bacterial infection in the UK. His eldest son was permitted to remain by his bedside wearing full personal protective equipment during his final hours.He died on Wednesday morning.

If formally confirmed, the case would represent the first recorded cholera-related death in the United Kingdom since 1901.Family members said they were uncertain how he may have contracted the infection, noting that he had not travelled abroad recently and lived at home with his youngest son.

Relatives initially suspected norovirus when symptoms first emerged. However, as his condition worsened, NHS 111 was contacted and paramedics transported him to hospital.Doctors carried out a series of tests before confirming the diagnosis.

The infection is understood to have caused severe complications affecting his kidneys and liver. Over the weekend, clinicians advised the family that treatment options were limited.

Cholera is caused by the bacterium Vibrio cholerae and is typically spread through contaminated food or water. While rare in the UK, it remains a significant global health concern.

The World Health Organization estimates there are between 1.3 million and 4 million cases worldwide each year, resulting in up to 143,000 deaths, primarily in parts of Africa and Asia. Most cases can be successfully treated with prompt rehydration therapy.

Cholera first reached Britain in 1831, spreading rapidly through industrial cities with poor sanitation. Major outbreaks during the 19th century claimed tens of thousands of lives.

In 1854, physician John Snow famously traced a London outbreak to a contaminated water pump in Soho, a discovery that helped transform public health and sanitation systems.

Public health officials have not yet released further details regarding the case.