Confirmation that cholera has spread to a sixth district in the northern province of Cabo Delgado after 11 cases, and including one death, were reported in Montepuez. The outbreak that began a year ago on the island of Ibo (Quirimbas Island group) before spreading to the provincial capital Pemba and beyond has sickened more than 2,100 people and caused 37 deaths. Read more. Meanwhile, the relatively small flare-up of cholera in Golfe 1 and Golfe 6 districts of Togo’s capital, Lomé, has remained active as the country moves into its first epidemic peak period for the year over the dry months of Jan-Mar. The affected districts are ‘in an area that attracts large numbers of people from different areas of Lomé and from neighbouring towns to buy fish’.
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.