The WHO has reported on an outbreak of cholera underway since late October in the South-West, Centre and Littoral regions. In Centre, at least 50 suspected infections were in the region’s Biyem-Assi health district, which is situated in central Yaoundé, however the situation has eased there now with no cases logged over the past four weeks. The South-West outbreak remains active and the trend in new cases is increasing. The agency rated the risk of local and regional spread to be high, particularly to Nigeria (which has ongoing outbreaks in adjacent several states) and Chad as the rainy season approaches. And in Tanzania, cholera cases have been confirmed in Rukwa region of the southern highlands. Read more
Advice for travellers
While the risk of infection with cholera is low for short-stay travellers, Australians travelling to regions where an outbreak is occurring should adhere to strict personal hygiene and choose food and beverages with care. Read more about cholera.
Before you travel, call Travelvax Australia’s telephone advisory service on 1300 360 164 (toll-free from landlines) for country-specific advice and information. You can also make an appointment at your nearest Travelvax clinic to obtain vaccinations, medication to prevent or treat illness, and accessories for your journey.