Cholera (Dukoral)

Cholera is a disease that causes acute diarrhoea. Cholera is present in many low-income countries. Cholera is associated with

• Poverty

• Poor Sanitation

• Poor access to clean drinking water

It has been estimated that there are between 3 to 5 million cases of cholera each year.

Click to see the World Health Organization Global Health Data on Cholera

Risk to Travelers

The overall risk for travelers is extremely low. The longer your length of stay in a cholera endemic area, the greater your risk of infection.

Transmission

Cholera is transmitted through the faecal-oral route. This is by the consumption of contaminated water or food. In rare cases, cholera is transmitted by direct person to person contact. If you get a high enough dose of Cholera you can get ill.

Signs and Symptoms

It takes 2 to 5 days from the time of infection to the onset of signs and symptoms.

The signs of severe cholera infection include profuse watery diarrhoea with nausea and vomiting. If cholera is left untreated after the initial symptoms serious dehydration, electrolyte imbalance and circulatory collapse could result.

Treatment

Rapid rehydration with water and electrolytes should be started as soon as possible. This can be done orally or intravenously in severe infections. Antibiotics are sometimes given to improve symptoms.

Cholera Vaccination

Oral Cholera Vaccination - Dukoral, an inactivated vaccine with no live germs. Recommended for travelers who are going to remote areas with cholera outbreak and with limited access to medical care.

Also recommended for aid workers in disaster relief or refugee camps.

Call us to book an appointment: 02086749201