Cholera has claimed 34 lives in Nairobi since October last year, the highest count in Kenya, followed by a combined total of 31 from the counties of Tana River, Garissa and Wajir. Nation-wide there have been in excess of 500 cases. Last week the WHO issued a cholera update, noting that 24 countries are now experiencing outbreaks and assessing the global risk to be very high. More regions may be impacted by the disease as they move out of current ‘low or interepidemic transmission periods’. Response to the outbreaks is being hampered by shortages in cholera vaccines and other medical supplies, and severely strained health systems ‘dealing with multiple disease outbreaks and other health emergencies at the same time’. It is feared the situation in SE Africa could deteriorate further after intense cyclone Freddy remained active in the region for five weeks, heaping devastation on Madagascar, Mozambique and Malawi. The update provides a focus on six countries up to March 20: Malawi, Mozambique, D R of Congo, Haiti, Lebanon and NW Syria. Read more
Advice for travellers
Cholera is usually spread in contaminated water. For most short-stay travellers, the risk of infection is low. Australians travelling to regions where a cholera outbreak is occurring should adhere to strict personal hygiene guidelines 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.