Cholera

What is it?

Cholera is bacterial infection that is characterised by watery diarrhoea. It is commonly caused by contaminated food and water.

Risk areas

Common in many low-income countries and is associated with poor sanitation and poor access to clean water. The overall risk for travellers is very low but the risk is far greater for those living in unsanitary conditions, for example relief workers in disaster or refugee areas. The disease is endemic in Africa, Asia, Central and South America and is prevalent in areas where there is poor sanitation.

Prevention

Following good personal hygiene and safe food and water practices can help reduce the risk of acquiring cholera.

A licensed vaccine effective against cholera, is available in the UK. It is not recommended for most travellers but for those whose activities or medical history puts them at increased risk. This includes:

2 doses at least one week apart. If more than six weeks have passed between doses, the primary course should be restarted.

Single dose at two years. If more than 2 years have elapsed since initial course, the whole course should be restarted.

3 doses at least one week apart. If more than six weeks have passed between doses, the primary.

Single dose at six months. If more than 2 years have elapsed since.

* If more than 6 weeks have elapsed between doses the primary course should be restarted. If more than 2 years (or 6 months for children aged 2 to below 6 years of age) has elapsed since the last dose of vaccine, the primary course should be repeated.

• Dukoral Vaccine
• Aid workers
• Those going to areas of cholera outbreak and who will have limited access to safe water
• Age
• Primary Course
• Booster Required
• Age
• Adults & children older than 6 years
• Primary Course
• Booster Required
• £75
• Age
• Age 2 to 6 years
• Primary Course
• Booster Required
• £75