Cholera

It is estimated that up to 4.0 million cholera cases occur worldwide due to cholera every year. Cholera can kill within hours if untreated.³

Mainly from drinking water or eating food contaminated containing the bacteria which cause cholera.¹

Cholera is common in a number of countries across Africa and Asia but has also been reported in other countries where people have returned ill after travelling (see map).^1,2 Outbreaks of the disease can also occur in countries where cholera was not previously common.³

Most people will not develop any symptoms, although they can still pass on the infection. Those who do develop symptoms can start to experience mild-moderate watery diarrhoea between 12 hours and 5 days after infection.³

Cholera can lead to severe watery diarrhoea and dehydration which can be fatal if not treated promptly.³ Treatment may involve oral rehydration solution, additional fluids or even antibiotics depending on the severity of illness.³

You can take the following precautions to help reduce your risk of infection:

• Visit your nearest convenient pharmacy or specialist travel health clinic for a risk assessment before your trip
• Avoid eating raw or undercooked fruit and vegetables that you haven’t prepared yourself. Use bottled or boiled water for washing food¹
• Avoid eating shellfish and seafood¹
• Avoid ice and ice creams¹
• Use boiled or bottled water for drinking and brushing your teeth¹
• Wash your hands frequently with soap and water, especially before eating and after using the toilet¹
• Avoid unsanitary living conditions to reduce your risk of cholera infection⁴