Cholera
What is Cholera?
- Watery diarrhea: Often described as “rice-water stool” due to its appearance.
- Vomiting
- Rapid heart rate
- Loss of skin elasticity
- Dry mucous membranes
- Low blood pressure
- Muscle cramps
Cholera Vaccine price
High Risk areas for Cholera
Developing countries: Cholera is endemic in many parts of Africa, Asia, and Latin America, where sanitation infrastructure may be lacking, and access to clean water is limited.
Refugee camps and displaced populations: Overcrowded and unsanitary conditions in refugee camps can facilitate the rapid spread of cholera among displaced populations.
Urban slums: Poor sanitation and overcrowding in urban slum areas create conditions conducive to the transmission of cholera.
Areas affected by natural disasters: Cholera outbreaks often occur in the aftermath of natural disasters, such as floods, earthquakes, or hurricanes, where clean water sources may be contaminated and sanitation systems disrupted.
Regions with seasonal outbreaks: Some regions experience seasonal cholera outbreaks, often associated with rainy seasons or changes in temperature, which can exacerbate the spread of the disease.
Cholera illness & main symptoms
Watery Diarrhea: The hallmark symptom of cholera is profuse, watery diarrhea. This diarrhea is often described as “rice-water stool” because of its appearance—clear, odorless, and containing flecks of mucus.
Vomiting: Cholera can cause severe vomiting, which can further contribute to dehydration and electrolyte imbalance.
Dehydration: The loss of large amounts of fluid through diarrhea and vomiting can lead to dehydration, which can progress rapidly, especially in severe cases. Symptoms of dehydration may include extreme thirst, dry mouth, decreased urine output, and sunken eyes.
Electrolyte Imbalance: Cholera-induced diarrhea can lead to significant losses of electrolytes, such as sodium, potassium, and chloride, which are essential for normal bodily functions. Electrolyte imbalances can manifest as weakness, fatigue, muscle cramps, and irregular heartbeat.
Low Blood Pressure: Severe dehydration and electrolyte imbalance can result in low blood pressure (hypotension), which can lead to dizziness, fainting, and shock if not promptly treated.
How to minimise the risk of cholera during travel?
Drink Safe Water: Only consume water that has been boiled, treated, or obtained from a safe and reliable source. Avoid drinking tap water, ice cubes, and beverages made with tap water, including fountain drinks and mixed drinks.
Use Safe Water for Hygiene: Use safe water for brushing teeth, washing dishes, and preparing food. If safe water is not available, use bottled water or water that has been properly treated or boiled.
Practice Good Hygiene: Wash your hands frequently with soap and clean water, especially before eating or preparing food and after using the toilet. If soap and water are not available, use hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.
Choose Safe Foods: Eat foods that are thoroughly cooked and served hot. Avoid raw or undercooked foods, including fruits and vegetables that cannot be peeled. Be cautious of salads, raw seafood, and unpasteurized dairy products.
Peel Your Own Fruits and Vegetables: If you choose to eat fruits and vegetables, peel them yourself and avoid those that cannot be peeled, as they may have been washed with contaminated water.
Avoid Street Food: While street food may be tempting, it’s often prepared and served in conditions that may increase the risk of contamination. Stick to food from reputable establishments with good hygiene practices.
- Stay Away from Contaminated Water Sources: Avoid swimming or bathing in untreated water, such as rivers, lakes, and ponds, as they may be contaminated with cholera and other pathogens
Consider Vaccination: Depending on your destination and individual risk factors, consider getting vaccinated against cholera before traveling. Consult with a healthcare professional or travel medicine specialist to determine if the cholera vaccine is recommended for your trip.
Cholera vaccine
Oral Cholera Vaccine (OCV): The oral cholera vaccine is taken orally as a liquid or as a series of tablets. It contains live but weakened (attenuated) strains of the Vibrio cholerae bacteria. The vaccine is typically administered in two doses, with a recommended interval between doses. The protection provided by the oral cholera vaccine varies depending on the specific vaccine formulation but generally lasts for a few years.
Injectable Cholera Vaccine (ICV): The injectable cholera vaccine is administered as an injection and contains killed (inactivated) strains of the Vibrio cholerae bacteria. It is typically administered as a single dose and provides protection against cholera for a shorter duration compared to the oral cholera vaccine.
