What is it?
Cholera is bacterial infection that is characterised by watery diarrhoea. It is commonly caused by contaminated food and water.
Risk areas
Common in many low-income countries and is associated with poor sanitation and poor access to clean water. The overall risk for travellers is very low but the risk is far greater for those living in unsanitary conditions, for example relief workers in disaster or refugee areas.
The disease is endemic in Africa, Asia, Central and South America and is prevalent in areas where there is poor sanitation.
Prevention
Following good personal hygiene and safe food and water practices can help reduce the risk of acquiring cholera.
Vaccine schedule
Dukoral, a licensed vaccine effective against cholera, is available in the UK. It is not recommended for most travellers but for those whose activities or medical history puts them at increased risk. This includes:
- Aid workers
- Those going to areas of cholera outbreak and who will have limited access to safe water
| Age | Primary course | Booster Required |
|---|---|---|
|
Adults & children older than 6 years |
2doses at least one week apart. If more than six weeks have passed between doses, the primary course should be restarted. |
Single dose at two years. If more than 2 years have elapsed since initial course, the whole course should be restarted. |
|
Age 2 to 6 years |
3doses at least one week apart. If more than six weeks have passed between doses, the primary |
Single dose at six months. If more than 2 years have elapsed since |
|
course should be restarted. |
initial course, the whole course should be restarted. |
Hammersmith and Fulham
Greater London
W12 7JD