Active cholera transmission, which has mostly affected young children, continues in Banadir and Lower Shebelle regions in the outbreak that has been underway for more than two years, producing 10,113 cases and 51 associated deaths. While in South Sudan, recent floods have caused a spike in water- and vector-borne infections, including acute watery diarrhoea and malaria; and in Ethiopia, South Omo and Gofa zones have reported most of the 1,000 or more cholera infections and 24 associated deaths since mid-December. 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.