Cholera occurs most commonly in regions of the world where there is inadequate sanitation, poor hygiene, overcrowding and a lack of safe water and food.

The Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) recommends that travellers practise safe food, water and personal hygiene precautions when travelling to regions where cholera is a concern. Individuals at higher risk for infection include humanitarian aid workers and travellers visiting endemic areas who may have limited access to safe food and water. Individuals at higher risk should consider getting vaccinated.

Cholera is an acute intestinal infection caused by the bacterium Vibrio cholerae. People usually become infected from drinking or eating contaminated water or food. It is associated with watery diarrhea and rapid dehydration, which may be life-threatening.

Central Africa

The World Health Organization (WHO) has reported ongoing cholera outbreaks in Central Africa since earlier this year. As of the beginning of October, there have been over 40,000 cases including more than 1,800 deaths. The rainy season and poor hygiene conditions have contributed to the unusual high number of cholera cases in the affected countries of Cameroon, Chad, Niger and Nigeria.

Haiti

The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) has confirmed that there is a cholera outbreak in Haiti. The majority of cases have been reported in departments of Artibonite, Centre , Nord-Ouest, Nord-Est, Nord, Sud and Ouest, with cases confirmed in Port-au-Prince.

The outbreak is expected to spread to other areas of the country and possibly beyond the island to other countries in the Americas. In response, there are international experts in both Haiti and the Dominican Republic to deal with the situation. To date, there has been one case confirmed in the Dominican Republic.

Pakistan

The Ministry of Health in Pakistan has confirmed close to 100 cases of cholera. These cases were reported from the flood-affected provinces of Sindh, Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

Further information is available from the WHO for cholera (External link) in these countries.

Recommendations

Consult a doctor, nurse or health care provider, or visit a travel health clinic at least six weeks before you travel.

Practise safe food and water precautions
Consider getting vaccinated
1. Most travellers are at low risk; however those who may be at high risk (humanitarian relief workers, travellers visiting areas of high risk with limited access to clean water and food) should consult with a health care provider to discuss the benefits of getting vaccinated.
If you develop severe diarrhea and/or vomiting when you return to Canada
1. Infants, young children and the elderly and those with underlying health conditions are at greatest risk of dehydration.
2. Seek medical attention immediately.
3. Drink fluids and use oral rehydration salts to prevent dehydration.