Cholera is a potentially fatal bacterial infection of the bowel caused by Vibrio cholera. Cholera occurs in areas of poor sanitation but does not present as a high risk if certain precautions are taken, such as avoidance of potentially contaminated food and water sources.

Sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia are considered to be areas of high risk. In Central and South America, Africa, and Asia it is estimated that 3-5 million people are affected every year.
Cholera has an incubation period of 6 – 72 hours. The infection may result in mild to extreme diarrhoea and vomiting. This can result in extreme dehydration and the effects can last from 1 – 7 days. Fever is not usually present.

Treatment for Cholera is usually consists of Antibiotics and fluid replacement.

Cholera is vaccine-preventable, with the cholera vaccine offering up to 90% protection against the disease for a 2-year period. We recommend a course of two Dukoral administered orally.