Cholera

Disease and transmission – Cholera is caused by the bacterium Vibrio cholerae and is usually transmitted by infected water but can be in food as well, especially shellfish. The disease is usually caused when infected faeces contaminate a water source.

Symptoms – 75% of infected people will have no or mild symptoms. Most healthy travellers are likely to have a mild illness. Severe disease causes rapid onset of profuse watery diarrhoea and vomiting. This can lead to extreme dehydration and death if fluid replacement is not initiated quickly.

Prevention - Following good food and water precautions, as well as good hand and personal hygiene helps prevent infection (see food and water precautions and hand and personal hygiene leaflets). There is a vaccine available, but most travellers are at very low risk. However, for those who require it the vaccine comes in the form of a drink, two doses to be taken at least one week apart and needs to be kept in the fridge (no more than 6 weeks apart).

Treatment - Fluid replacement is the main treatment but antibiotics may be used in very severe cases.

Further information https://travelhealthpro.org.uk/disease/32/cholera