Cholera

Cholera is an acute gastro-intestinal infection caused by vibrio cholerae bacteria. Risk of infection to travellers is low and vaccination is advised only for medical and rescue personnel working in endemic areas.

The best protection is to avoid potentially contaminated water and food. See IAMAT's 24 World Climate and Food Safety Charts describing the sanitary condition of water, dairy products, and food in 1440 cities. Meticulous food and water hygiene are essential when travelling in endemic areas.

Persons living and working in inadequate sanitary conditions and those with impaired defence mechanisms (deficient production of gastric acid due to surgery for duodenal or gastric ulcers), persons on antacid therapy, and users of cannabis (smoking marijuana reduces acid secretion of the stomach) are more susceptible to cholera infection. The World Health Organization announced in 1991 that Cholera vaccination certificates are no longer required by any country or territory.

Risk of Cholera is present in the following countries:



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