Cholera Vaccine

Cholera is a bacterial infection found in food or water sources contaminated with feces (poop). Over 600 million people throughout the globe are at risk of contracting cholera. Between 3 and 5 million cases are reported each year accounting for over 100,000 deaths. Cholera cases are often under reported.

Symptoms of cholera usually appear after two to three days and include:

The only cholera vaccine available in the U.S.

• Profuse, watery diarrhea
• Vomiting
• Leg cramps
• Rapid fluid loss
• Dehydration
• Shock

Symptoms are often mild; some cases will not even show symptoms. But, even mild cholera symptoms can ruin a trip with vomiting or diarrhea. A person with cholera can pass up to a liter of diarrhea per hour.

Up to 20 percent of cholera patients will develop severe symptoms. Without treatment, the infection can kill within hours.

Cholera is a serious illness that often causes acute diarrhea. About 10 percent of those infected will experience severe symptoms including:

• Vomiting
• Profuse watery diarrhea
• Thirst
• Leg Cramps

Diarrhea and vomiting will often lead to dehydration which can cause kidney failure, shock or coma. This diarrhea also contains large amounts of the bacteria that causes cholera.

Cholera is most often spread through food or water contaminated with the Vibrio cholerae bacteria. Symptoms often include diarrhea which contains the bacteria in large amounts. This allows the disease to spread quickly in areas with inadequate drinking water or sewage systems. It can also spread easily to those caring for a person who has been infected.

Cholera rarely spreads directly from one person to another, almost exclusively from fecal matter to food or water and then to a soon-to-be infected individual.

This is a vaccine against some of the bacteria that causes cholera (vibrio cholerae serogroup O1). It is the best line of defense against cholera infection, providing significant protection against cholera.

The vaccine is recommended for travelers two to 64 years-old going to cholera affected regions.

It is a live, attenuated vaccine. This means the cholera strains within the vaccine produce an incomplete, nontoxic version of the toxin. The body responds to this safe version of cholera and creates an immunity to the infection.

It is a single-dose oral cholera vaccine. This means it is just one dose taken by mouth, versus multiple doses in similar products. It should be administered at least 10 days before potential cholera exposure, essentially 10 days prior to a trip.

The vaccine is in a powdered form, which is reconstituted in water. Clients should consume the vaccine in-office with the guidance and instruction of a healthcare professional.

If you are receiving the cholera vaccine, do not eat or drink for at least 60 minutes before and after your appointment.

You may need a cholera vaccine, depending on where you are traveling and what you may be doing. Cholera generally spreads through contaminated food or water. Contamination is usually caused by faulty sewage systems or contact with infected water.

Travelers to the Caribbean, Africa and/or Southeast Asia should consider receiving the cholera vaccine.

For more information on affected countries, see our Which Countries Have Cholera? section below.

It is available at Passport Health locations throughout the United States. Call or book online now to ensure you’re protected today!

Travelers visiting any part of the world where cholera is present have some risk of infection. However, some groups are at greater risk than others:

Cholera is most common in regions without adequate treatment of sewage or drinking water. The following countries reported recent or ongoing cholera outbreaks:

The majority of cholera cases occur in the developing world. Studies suggest infection rates could be 30 times higher than actually reported. Also, cases have been reported in popular tourist destinations where cholera isn’t considered to be endemic, such as Cuba and Thailand.

Vaccination is the best way to prevent cholera. The CDC also recommends the following methods:

• Drink only bottled, boiled or treated water or other beverages
• Wash your hands with soap and clean water after using the restroom and before and after meals
• Only brush your teeth with bottled, boiled or treated water
• Eat hot, cooked foods or packaged items

If you or a member of your party contract cholera, seek medical help immediately. Products like oral rehydration salts may help treat symptoms.

Are you planning a trip to a region with cholera? Are you unsure if your destination has the disease? Contact a Passport Health travel health specialist to learn what you can do to stay safe. Call or book online today and start your journey with protection and peace of mind.