Cholera is an infection caused by the bacterium Vibrio cholerae. It spreads through contaminated water or food, particularly street food, seafood, or food prepared with unsafe water. The illness can develop quickly, sometimes within just a few hours after exposure, or up to 5 days later.

👩‍⚕️ Symptoms

Cholera causes sudden, profuse watery diarrhoea (sometimes called “rice water stools”), vomiting, and rapid dehydration. Severe cases can lead to shock and death if not treated. Without treatment, the death rate can be very high, but with prompt rehydration (oral or IV fluids), the risk of death drops to less than 1%.

🌍 Travel Risks (Asia)

In South Asia, outbreaks often happen before and after the monsoon (April–June and September–November).

In Southeast Asia, risk is highest during the rainy season (May–October).

In endemic areas, transmission can occur year-round, especially near rivers, during floods, or after natural disasters.

🌍 Travel Risks (Africa)

High-risk areas: Sub-Saharan Africa, particularly countries with ongoing outbreaks or limited sanitation infrastructure: Democratic Republic of Congo, Nigeria, Chad, South Sudan, Mozambique, and parts of East Africa (Kenya, Tanzania).

Urban vs rural: Outbreaks can occur in both urban slums and rural areas with poor water quality.

🌍 Travel Risks (South America)

High-risk areas: Limited but possible in countries with poor sanitation or areas experiencing outbreaks: parts of Haiti, Venezuela, and some rural regions of Peru and Brazil.

Urban vs rural: Rural and flood-prone areas are higher risk; large cities generally have much lower risk.

✅ How to Prevent Cholera Without a Vaccine

Drink only bottled or purified water.

Avoid ice, raw seafood, and uncooked street food (like salads).

Eat food that is well-cooked and served hot.

Wash your hands with soap and clean water, or use alcohol-based sanitiser.

Brush your teeth with bottled or boiled water.

💉 Who Should Consider the Vaccine?

Most ordinary tourists staying in good hotels and eating carefully prepared food are at low risk.

Vaccination may be recommended for:

Travellers going to areas with outbreaks or poor sanitation.

Aid workers, military, or people working in refugee camps or flood zones.

People with weakened immune systems or certain medical conditions.

💊 Cholera Vaccine in Australia

The vaccine available is Dukoral®, taken by mouth.

It requires two doses for adults and children over 6 years, or three doses for younger children.

Doses need to be started at least 2–3 weeks before travel.

All doses are 1-6 weeks apart.

Protection lasts for about 2 years in adults and 6 months in children under 6.

📝 Key Takeaway

Cholera is rare in routine travellers but can be serious if caught. The best protection is safe food and water habits. A vaccine is available for high-risk situations such as humanitarian work, outbreak zones, or long stays in rural areas with poor sanitation.