Cholera vaccine

What is Cholera?

Cholera is an infection that is transmitted primarily through food and water and can cause severe watery diarrhoea.

Cholera is caused by the bacteria Vibrio cholerae and is typically spread through contaminated water and, less frequently, food, particularly shellfish.

High Risk areas for Cholera

The disease is found all around the world, although it is most prevalent in nations with inadequate sanitation, such as parts of Africa, India, and Southeast Asia.

Cholera is not found in the UK but there is a small chance of catching the disease whilst travelling in high-risk areas.

Cholera illness & main symptoms

Of those with cholera, 75% of people have no or minor symptoms, and the infection is self-limiting.

The disease is most likely to be mild in healthy travellers.

Those who live in poverty and lack access to safe water and food are more likely to suffer from serious sickness.

Those with underlying health issues such as immunosuppression, liver disease, or malnutrition are more prone to developing severe sickness.

Rapid development of watery diarrhoea and vomiting in more severe disease can result in severe dehydration. Individuals who are not treated promptly with intravenous fluid replacement can die fast if they are not treated for severe sickness.

How to minimise the risk of cholera during travel?

Prevention includes food and water precautions and good hand and personal cleanliness, especially in places where cholera is more prevalent or outbreaks occur.

Steps you should take:

• Wash your hands frequently with soap and water, especially after using the toilet and before preparing or eating food.

• Only consume water that has been (boiled & cooled) or bottled water.

•    You should use bottled or (boiled & cooled) water to brush your teeth.

Things you should avoid:

• do not eat uncooked fruit and vegetables (including salads) that you have not washed with bottled or boiled water and prepared yourself.

• do not eat shellfish and seafood.

•  do not eat ice cream or have ice in your drinks.

We provide a comprehensive range of travel vaccinations and antimalarials. It is recommended that you book your appointment 6-8 weeks prior to your travel to ensure that you can get the recommended vaccinations on time.