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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:
Schedule
- 2 doses from 7
days to < 6 weeks apart. Sachet mixed in 150ml of water and
vaccine dose added. No food 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.
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