Health officials in the popular holiday resort, Dominican Republic have recently reported an ongoing outbreak of cholera.  650 individuals have been affected with 7 deaths.  Sarawak in Malaysia, also a popular destination, reported an outbreak just this week with 111 cases so far.   Ghana, Somalia, Congo, Haiti, India and Papua New Guinea are also in the midst of outbreaks.

Cholera is picked up through contaminated drinking water and sometimes food.   It will cause extreme watery diarrhoea and severe vomiting.  Dehydration can very rapidly occur, and can cause death in untreated individuals within 24 hours.  Medical help is needed to treat with antibiotics and a drip to replace fluids.

Travellers must remember personal and food hygiene to help protect against all food and water borne illness.  Hands should be washed before preparing or eating food, and care taken to ensure eating utensils and preparation surfaces are clean.  Contaminated and raw or undercooked food should be avoided- no salad items or unpasturised dairy products (ice cream and cheeses).  Shellfish or rare meat should be avoided and use caution with fish.   Fruit should be pealed, and vegetables thoroughly cooked.  Drinking water should be boiled, treated with a filter or purification tablets, or a sealed bottle of water bought, and remember, no ice cubes or tap water to brush teeth.

An effective vaccine for Cholera may be used.  Dukoral is an oral medication and should be taken on an empty stomach.  Two doses are given 1-6 weeks apart, ideally at least a week before travel.

The Nurses at The Travel Clinic Ltd, Cambridge and Ipswich will be happy to provide advice about safe travel and vaccine or medication.