What is Cholera?
Cholera, characterised by profuse watery diarrhoea, stems from toxin-producing forms of the Vibrio cholera bacteria. Before travelling to a high-risk area, you should get vaccinated. You can get the cholera vaccine in Manchester today!
People typically contract cholera by ingesting contaminated water or food; humans are the only known natural hosts. Additionally, many low-income countries frequently experience cholera, often associated with poverty, inadequate sanitation, and limited access to clean drinking water.
The overall risk of cholera for travellers is extremely low. Activities that may increase the risk of infection include drinking untreated water or eating poorly cooked seafood in areas where outbreaks are occurring. Travellers living in unsanitary conditions, such as relief workers in disaster or refugee areas, are also at risk. Moreover, heightened awareness and proactive measures become crucial in such environments.
Symptoms
- – Sudden onset of profuse, watery diarrhoea
- – Nausea and vomiting
- – Potential serious dehydration
- – Dangerous salt imbalances
- – Risk of shock
- – Mortality rate over 50% for the most severely affected patients within a few hours
- – Mild or asymptomatic cases in healthy individuals
Prevention
The risk of acquiring cholera can be mitigated by ensuring good personal hygiene. Additionally, following guidelines on the prevention of food and water-borne diseases further contributes to reducing the risk.
In the UK, Dukoral®, an oral, inactivated cholera vaccine targeting V. cholerae serogroup O1, is recommended for individuals at increased risk. Most travellers may not find it suitable. This group includes:
Aid Workers
– Those going to areas of cholera outbreaks who have limited access to safe water and medical care.
– Those for whom vaccination is considered potentially beneficial. (i.e. for those who do not fit into the above groups, but are still considered at higher risk). Two doses of the oral vaccination are required between 1-6 weeks apart.
Book your travel vaccine in Manchester today!
Find out what vaccines you need for your destination and book your appointment below, or get in touch if you have any questions.
Price: £35 per dose
