Cholera

The Disease

A profuse and watery diarrhoeal illness, Cholera is caused by infection of the intestine by the Vibrio cholerae bacterium. The infection is often mild and without symptoms, but can be life-threatening.

Where is it found?

Cholera is a public health concern in developing countries worldwide, especially in Africa, South Asia and Latin America.

Risk to travellers

The risk of contracting Cholera while travelling in affected areas is thought to be less than 1 in 500,000 if food and water guidelines are followed. Cases in travellers from developed countries are rare.

There is no longer an official requirement for cholera vaccination for arriving travellers to any country.

Vaccination for Cholera is only recommended for high-risk travellers (i.e. aid or refugee camp workers, persons planning extended stays in remote rural areas who are in close contact with the local population). An added advantage of the cholera vaccine, Dukoral, is that it offers some degree of protection against a common diarrhoea-causing bacterium LT-ETEC (enterotoxigenic E Coli).

Vaccination (Dukoral)

Type:

Oral inactivated

Schedule

2 doses from 7 days to < 6 weeks apart. Sachet mixed in 150ml of water and vaccine dose added. No food or drink should be consumed for one hour before and after administration.

Level of protection

Provides 60-70% protection against severe disease for 2 years.

Side effects

Occasional nausea, abdominal cramps or diarrhoea.

For most travellers, this oral vaccine is recommended for long-term travellers and for those visiting countries experiencing floods.

More information on Cholera is available during your pre-travel consultation with Travelvax. Call 1300 360 164 for the location of the clinic nearest to you.