Cholera Vaccine (Dukoral): 2 dose course  £26 per dose
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​Introduction

Cholera is an acute diarrhoea illness caused by a bacteria. The disease infects the small bowel and causes painless, watery diarrhoea. It is known to infect only humans.
Cholera is usually transmitted via infected water that has been contaminated by faeces and less commonly via food, particularly shellfish.
The disease is found throughout the world particularly in countries where sanitation is poor, particularly parts of Africa, India and South East Asia.

​The Illness

The incubation period can be 12 hours up to 5 days after exposure.
  • 75% of people affected with cholera will have no or mild symptoms and the illness is self limiting.
  • In healthy travellers, the illness is most likely to be mild.
  • More severe illness is more likely in those who live in poverty and are unable to access safe water and food.
  • More severe illness is more likely in those with underying health problems such as immunosuppression, liver disease or malnutrition.
  • In more severe disease, rapid onset of watery diarrhoea and vomiting can lead to extreme dehydration. For severe illness medical attention should be urgently as individuals can die quickly if they are not treated promptly with intravenous fluid replacement.

​Treatment

​Fluid replacement is the mainstay of treatment and antibiotic therapy may be used in severe illness.

​Recommendations for Travellers

Prevention is focused on ensuring safe water and food, particularly in countries where cholera is more common or where outbreaks occur (see individual country record). Food and drink to be wary of include untreated water, ice, shellfish, salads, unwashed fruit and vegetables.
Good personal hygiene is essential. Individuals should ensure that they wash their hands frequently, prior to eating and after visiting the bathroom.
A vaccine is available to protect against cholera but as the risk to most travellers is very low, it is only recommended in the following circumstances:


  • Volunteers/aid workers/medical personnel in disaster relief situations where cholera outbreaks likely.
  • Those travelling to work in slums/refugee camps, areas affected by natural disasters, or countries experiencing cholera outbreaks and where care with food and water is difficult or not possible.