What is Cholera?
Cholera is an extremely virulent infection characterised by acute diarrhoea, which if left untreated, can be fatal in a matter of hours; it is acquired through the consumption of food and water contaminated with the bacterium Vibrio cholerae.
What are the symptoms?
The incubation period is between 12 hours and 5 days and, in most cases, someone with cholera does not develop any symptoms and is unaware they have the disease (although they do shed the bacteria in their faeces for 1-10 days, potentially infecting any contacts). For those who do develop symptoms, they will usually be mild or moderate and resemble other ‘gastro' type illnesses.
Only between 5 and 10 percent of cases will deteriorate further, resulting in the passage of large volumes of acute watery diarrhoea, causing severe dehydration that can lead to death if left untreated. Intravenous fluids and antibiotics are needed in severe cases, however up to 80% of cases can be successfully treated with oral rehydration solution (ORS).
Where is it found?
Cholera continues to represent a threat to public health in developing countries. It is endemic in around 50 developing countries worldwide, especially in Africa, South and Southeast Asia and in areas with inadequate access to clean water and sanitation facilities. Typical risk areas include peri-urban slums and camps for internally displaced persons or refugees, particularly during humanitarian disasters.
Risk to travellers
The risk of infection is estimated to be 0.2 cases per 100,000 travellers from western countries, however the probability of developing severe disease is substantially less. Sporadic cases associated with travel to or from cholera-affected countries in Asia and Africa continue to occur.
Precautions regarding food and water consumption and personal hygiene are most important, regardless of vaccination.
One cause of travellers' diarrhoea is from the toxin produced by a type of E.coli bacteria (LT-ETEC). As this toxin is similar to the one produced by cholera bacteria, vaccination against cholera can provide some degree of protection against ETEC diarrhoea (off-label use in Australia). It is recommended for people who have a higher risk of severe or complicated diarrhoeal disease travelling to areas where cholera exists. These include people with:
- Poorly controlled or complicated diabetes
- Inflammatory bowel disease
- HIV or other immunocompromising conditions
- Significant cardiovascular disease
No countries currently mandate cholera vaccination in their entry requirements.
Our Recommendation
For most travellers, this oral vaccine may be recommended for long-term travellers and for those visiting countries experiencing floods or other disasters.
What is Cholera Vaccination?
Type: Oral vaccine
Cholera vaccination is recommended for children (≥2 years of age) and adult travellers who:
- have a high risk of acquiring diarrhoeal disease, including those with achlorhydria
- are travelling to areas where there is a high likelihood of exposure to cholera
- humanitarian workers operating in an epidemic or refugee camps.
The cholera vaccine is an oral formulation that stimulates the immunological defence in the gut. No food or drink should be consumed for 1 hour before and 1 hour after administration.
Schedule
Children aged 2–6 years are recommended to receive 3 doses of the cholera vaccine with an interval of 1–6 weeks between each dose.
Adults and children aged ≥6 years are recommended to receive 2 doses of cholera vaccine with an interval of 1–6 weeks between each dose.
If the time interval between doses exceeds 6 weeks, the course must be re-started.
Contraindications:
Hypersensitivity to vaccine components.
Administration of oral cholera vaccine should be delayed in the event of acute gastrointestinal or febrile illness.
The cholera vaccine is not routinely recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women, however risk versus benefit needs to be weighed up by doctor and patient.
Level of protection
- Two doses of oral cholera vaccine (3 doses for 2-5 years) provides 60-70% protection against severe cholera for up to 2 years. Boost with a single oral dose 2-5 years after primary course for cholera protection. If more than 5 years have passed the full primary course of two doses is required.
- Note: Although protection against ETEC diarrhoea is off-label use in Australia, ETEC protection only lasts 3 months. If continuing ETEC protection is required, boosting with a single dose after 3 months is advised.
Possible Side Effects
- Abdominal pain, fever
- Diarrhoea, nausea and vomiting
- Allergic reactions can also occur
- Potentially serious side effects including dehydration and shortness of breath are rare
References:
Australian Immunisation Handbook: https://immunisationhandbook.health.gov.au/vaccine-preventable-diseases/cholera
CDC https://www.cdc.gov/cholera/index.html
WHO https://www.who.int/en/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/cholera
FAQs
What countries require cholera vaccine for entry?
The World Health Organisation (WHO) advises travellers at higher risk of infection (emergency and relief workers directly exposed) should consider the cholera vaccine. However, cholera vaccination is usually not recommended for other travellers even though outbreaks of cholera do occur sporadically in areas across the globe.
How long does the cholera vaccine last?
The cholera vaccine gives protection for up to two years. A booster is needed after two to five years for people over six years of age, and after six months for children up to six years old.
Can the cholera vaccine make you ill?
The side effects of the cholera vaccine can include abdominal pain, tiredness, vomiting, headache, nausea, diarrhoea, and a lack of appetite.
After my cholera vaccine can I drink alcohol?
After you have had your cholera vaccination, you should avoid eating or drinking anything for at least one hour before and one hour afterwards. However, there is no evidence that moderate drinking is harmful after most vaccinations.
How long before I can travel after a cholera vaccination?
The cholera vaccination schedule of 2 or 3 doses, depending on age, should be completed at least one week prior to the possibility of coming into contact with cholera. A booster dose is necessary if at continued risk of exposure to the bacteria.
How many doses of cholera vaccine are needed?
The cholera vaccine schedule is as follows: Children aged two to six years should receive three doses of cholera vaccine one to six weeks apart. Adults and children aged six years and over should receive two doses of cholera vaccine one to six weeks apart. In the event the timeframe is extended beyond six weeks, the course must be re-started.
Where can I get a cholera vaccine?
Be aware that vaccination against cholera is not funded in Australia under the National Immunisation Program (NIP), nor by the States and Territory governments. You can be vaccinated against cholera at Travelvax, travel clinics, or check with your GP.
Call 1300 360 164 for the location of the clinic nearest to you.
Call or visit us today to get travel ready!