Cholera
Price per dose: £30
Number of doses required: 2
Total price: £60
What is cholera?
Cholera is a bacterial infection that can cause severe diarrhoea. It isn’t found in the UK, but there’s a very small risk of catching it if you’re travelling in some parts of the world.
How do you catch cholera?
Cholera is most commonly spread through:
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Drinking water contaminated with the bacteria
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Eating contaminated food (particularly shellfish, though this is less common)
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Consuming food prepared by someone infected with cholera
Millions of cholera cases occur each year, mostly in regions lacking access to clean drinking water and proper sanitation systems. These include areas such as:
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Sub-Saharan Africa
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South and Southeast Asia
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The Middle East
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Central America and the Caribbean
Signs & symptoms of cholera
Cholera symptoms can appear within just a few hours, but they usually develop a few days after infection. Some people with cholera may not show any symptoms, but common signs include:
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Severe watery diarrhoea
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Nausea
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Vomiting
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Stomach cramps
Contact your GP or call NHS 111 if you’ve recently been in an area where cholera is present and experience:
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Severe watery diarrhoea
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Signs of dehydration, such as excessive thirst, dark yellow urine, or strong-smelling urine
Be sure to tell your doctor that you’ve been in a cholera risk area. They may prescribe treatment to prevent severe dehydration. Without treatment, dehydration from diarrhoea and vomiting can develop rapidly and may lead to shock due to a sudden drop in blood pressure.
Preventing cholera
If you’re travelling to a country where cholera is present, you can reduce your risk of infection by following these precautions:
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Wash your hands frequently with soap and clean water, especially after using the toilet and before preparing or eating food.
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Only drink water that has been boiled or comes from a sealed bottle.
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Use bottled or boiled water to brush your teeth.
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Avoid eating raw fruits and vegetables (including salads) unless you have washed and prepared them yourself with bottled or boiled water.
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Steer clear of shellfish and seafood.
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Avoid eating ice cream.
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Do not have ice in your drinks.
Cholera vaccination
A cholera vaccine is available, though it’s not required for most travellers. It’s typically recommended for those who:
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Work as volunteers, aid workers, or healthcare staff in disaster relief areas or regions at risk of cholera outbreaks
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Are travelling to live or work in slums, refugee camps, or areas affected by natural disasters
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Are visiting a country experiencing a cholera outbreak where maintaining food and water hygiene is difficult
The vaccine is taken orally as a drink. Adults receive two doses, given one to six weeks apart, offering protection for up to two years. Since immunity decreases over time, a booster may be needed for continued travel to high-risk areas.
If you’re planning to travel, make sure to complete both doses before your departure.
