Cholera is an infection that can cause serious diarrhoea and, although it’s not found in the UK, there is a risk that you could contract it while travelling in some parts of the world that don’t have a clean water supply or modern sewage system, such as parts of south-east Asia, Haiti and Africa.
You can catch cholera by drinking dirty water, eating food (especially shellfish) that has been contaminated by dirty water or by eating food that’s been handled by someone already infected.
Following good hygiene practices can help prevent you from contracting cholera if you’re travelling in high-risk areas.
For example, you should ensure that you wash your hands with soap and water regularly, particularly before preparing food and eating, and after going to the bathroom. Avoid drinking tap water unless it’s been boiled, or drink bottled water instead. Always brush your teeth using bottled or boiled water.
You can protect yourself further by avoiding shellfish and seafood, not eating ice cream or putting ice in your drinks and not eating any uncooked fruit and vegetables (including salads) that you haven’t washed with boiled or bottled water and that you haven’t prepared yourself.
A cholera vaccine is available, although the majority of people will not need to have it. It is administered as a drink, with two adult doses (provided one to six weeks apart) providing protection for up to two years. Both doses must be taken at least a week before travelling in order to be protected against the illness.
At Enimed Group, our pharmacies provide a range of different travel vaccinations, including the cholera vaccine.
Our specialist travel pharmacists can administer the appropriate treatments to both children (over the age of nine months) and adults alike, as well as providing a walk-in clinic service and up-to-date travel health advice for your chosen destinations.
