Cholera Vaccination

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Cholera is an acute diarrheal disease that, if left untreated, can be fatal within hours.

Cholera is an acute diarrheal disease that, if left untreated, can be fatal within hours. People with severe cholera can develop severe dehydration, which can lead to kidney failure. If left untreated, severe dehydration can lead to shock, coma, and death within hours.

The infection is not likely to spread directly from one person to another; therefore, casual contact with an infected person is not a risk factor for becoming ill.

Symptoms

Approximately 1 in 10 individuals with cholera will develop severe symptoms, which, in the early stages, can manifest as:

Restlessness or irritability
Profuse watery diarrhea, sometimes described as “rice-water stools”
Leg cramps
Vomiting
Thirst

In the initial phase, these symptoms may indicate the onset of severe cholera in a subset of affected individuals.

Cholera can cause severe dehydration, signs of this includes:

dry mucous membranes
rapid heart rate
low blood pressure
loss of skin elasticity

When considering travel to regions where cholera is prevalent, it is important to be aware of the potential risks and the available preventive measures.

While the risk of cholera for most travelers is generally low, certain circumstances may warrant vaccination to mitigate the potential impact of the disease.

The cholera vaccine is recommended for individuals in specific situations, including:

Volunteers, aid workers, and medical personnel involved in disaster relief efforts in areas where cholera outbreaks have occurred.
Individuals traveling to work in slums, refugee camps, or regions affected by natural disasters where access to safe food and water is limited.

Get Protected

Vaccination is also advised for those visiting countries experiencing cholera outbreaks and where maintaining care with food and water may be challenging. Additionally, it is essential to adhere to food and water precautions, practice good hand hygiene, and seek medical advice to ensure a comprehensive approach to disease prevention.

It is important to consult with a healthcare provider or a travel health specialist to assess the specific vaccination recommendations based on the travel itinerary and individual health considerations.

Our pharmacists can offer valuable information on required and recommended vaccinations, as well as essential tips for maintaining good health while traveling. Get in touch or book an appointment with our Travel Consultation Pharmacists.

How is the cholera transmitted?

Cholera is primarily transmitted through the ingestion of water or food that has been contaminated with the cholera bacteria, Vibrio cholerae. The contamination is usually due to feces from an infected person, which can pollute water sources or food. Inadequate water treatment, poor sanitation, and lack of hygiene are common factors that contribute to the spread of cholera. The disease is not likely to spread directly from one person to another, so casual contact with an infected person is not a significant risk factor for becoming ill.

Is there still cholera in Canada?

Cholera is an uncommonly diagnosed infection in Canada, with fewer than 40 cases reported between 2010 and 2019. Most identified cases in Canada result from travel to high-risk areas, and modern-day epidemics are rare.

What are 3 ways to prevent cholera?

Safe Water and Hygiene
Sanitation
Vaccination and Travel Precautions

Is there a cure for cholera today?

Cholera is easily treatable today. The majority of people can be treated successfully through prompt administration of oral rehydration therapy (ORT). Most individuals infected with the cholera bacterium have mild symptoms and can be successfully treated with ORT. Severe cases may require rapid treatment with intravenous fluids and antibiotics.

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