What is cholera and what causes it?
Cholera is commonest in Africa, Asia and Central America. It’s also found in places where there has been a natural disaster, war-torn regions where the medical infrastructure has broken down and in particularly poor, crowded places.
Cholera is a bacterial infection found in contaminated food and water. It is common in places with poor sanitation, for example where sewage comes into contact with drinking water. It also arises in the developed world where seafood like shellfish and plankton have been contaminated, but this is rare.
Cholera is often mild and some people don’t experience any symptoms at all. Around 10-20% will develop severe symptoms, which can be fatal. People with severe cholera can experience really bad diarrhoea and vomiting. If left untreated it can lead to chronic dehydration, a drop in blood pressure and, eventually, shock. In very serious cases it can be fatal.
Cholera signs and symptoms:
- Large amounts of watery diarrhoea containing small rice-sized flecks of white material made of mucus and skin cells, with a fishy smell
- Vomiting
- A fast heart rate and low blood pressure
- Lost skin elasticity, slightly wrinkly
- Dry mucous membranes, for example in your nose
- Low blood pressure
- Thirst and muscle cramps
- Feeling restless and irritable
People who should consider vaccination:
- Those going to work in an area with an outbreak – aid workers, health workers, emergency relief workers
- Those staying long term in an area where there is high risk of cholera and limited access to medical care
Don’t have the vaccination if you’ve had a previous bad reaction to the vaccine or its ingredients, which include formaldehyde.
How to minimise the risk of catching cholera?
While it’s essential, this vaccine doesn’t always provide full protection. Some strains are not affected and a bad case can still make you very ill indeed. The best strategy is prevention, which is mostly common sense. Keep away from people infected with cholera. Stick to bottled drinking water, avoiding ice at all costs. Maintain high levels of hygiene and steer clear of suspect, grubby-looking restaurants and street food vendors.
Vaccination information:
Cholera is given as a drink and is given in two or three (depending on age) separate doses, taken from one to up to six weeks apart and completed at least a week before travelling.
Two doses of the vaccine will help protect against cholera for two years. The level of protection gradually reduces over time, so you’ll need a booster if you continue to travel to areas where there is a risk.
