Cholera

What you need to know about cholera

Cholera is a potentially life-threatening, often water borne disease caused by bacterial
infection. The infection causes watery diarrhoea leading to rapid dehydration and electrolyte
imbalance. It is this dehydration which is potentially fatal. It is highly-infectious, causing
a number of epidemics and pandemics.

You can contract the bacteria that causes Cholera through ingesting contaminated food or
drinking contaminated water. Common foods posing a high risk are undercooked or raw shellfish
and fish, however any food or drink contaminated by infected persons pose a high risk, and if
water sanitation is poor, large populations are at risk.

High-risk areas

Cholera is found throughout the world, particularly in areas with poor sanitation, including
the following:

• Africa*
• Central America*
• India
• The Middle East
• South East Asia

*Parts of these regions only.

Signs and symptoms

These symptoms generally develop within a few days of infection, although they can sometimes occur after only a few hours.

• Severe watery diarrhoea
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Stomach cramps

The vaccine

For adults and children over six years of age, two doses of the vaccine (Dukoal) are needed to
protect against Cholera for two years. After this, a booster will be required. The vaccine is
taken orally (by mouth), as a small amount of liquid to be swallowed.

Children aged two to six years old will need to have three doses of the vaccine. This will
protect them for six months, after which time they will need to have a booster.

For all age groups, the doses must be given at least one week apart, but no more than six weeks apart.

The vaccinations should be completed at least one week before travelling.

The Cholera vaccine cannot be given to children under two years of age.