Cholera

Cholera is an acute infectious disease caused by the bacterium Vibrio cholerae, spread primarily through contaminated water and food.  Although rare in travellers returning to the UK, it remains a significant public health concern in many parts of the world, particularly in regions affected by flooding, conflict, or poor sanitation infrastructure.  In severe cases, cholera can cause rapid and life-threatening dehydration, making early prevention and prompt treatment essential.

Vaccination is one of the most effective tools available to reduce the risk of cholera for travellers visiting high-risk destinations.  At Jasins Pharmacy in Hounslow, our travel health team can advise on whether the cholera vaccine is appropriate for your trip and administer it quickly and conveniently — with no GP referral required.

 

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How Cholera Spreads

Cholera is transmitted through the faecal-oral route, most commonly when a person consumes water or food that has been contaminated with Vibrio cholerae bacteria.  It is not spread through casual contact between people, but in areas with poor sanitation, the risk of exposure through everyday activities such as eating and drinking can be significant.

Common ways cholera can spread include:

• Drinking untreated or contaminated water, including water used to make ice or prepare food
• Eating raw or undercooked seafood, particularly shellfish from contaminated coastal waters
• Consuming fruit and vegetables washed in contaminated water
• Eating food prepared in unsanitary conditions or by someone who is infected
• Poor hand hygiene in areas with limited access to clean water and sanitation facilities

 

Travellers visiting regions experiencing active cholera outbreaks, or those working in humanitarian aid, disaster relief, or healthcare settings in affected areas, face a heightened level of risk.  Even those staying in standard tourist accommodation can be exposed if local water or food supplies are compromised.

 

Symptoms of Cholera

The symptoms of cholera can range from very mild or undetectable to sudden and extremely severe.  In the most serious cases, the disease progresses rapidly and can become life-threatening within hours if not treated promptly.  Symptoms typically appear between a few hours and five days after exposure to the bacteria.

Common symptoms include:

• Sudden onset of profuse, watery diarrhoea, often described as “rice-water” in appearance
• Nausea and vomiting
• Rapid onset of severe dehydration
• Muscle cramps, particularly in the legs
• Dry mouth and intense thirst
• Reduced or absent urine output
• Rapid heart rate and low blood pressure in severe cases

 

The primary danger of cholera is dehydration, which can occur with alarming speed in severe cases.  Without adequate fluid and electrolyte replacement, severe cholera can be fatal.  Prompt medical attention and oral rehydration therapy are critical, and in serious cases intravenous fluids and antibiotic treatment may be required.

 

The Cholera Vaccine

The cholera vaccine available in the UK is Dukoral, an oral vaccine taken as a drink rather than an injection.  It works by stimulating the immune system to produce protective antibodies against Vibrio cholerae, reducing both the risk of infection and the severity of illness if exposure occurs.

• How it is taken — Dukoral is an oral vaccine dissolved in water and taken as a drink, making it a straightforward alternative to an injectable vaccine
• Dosing course — two doses are required, taken one to six weeks apart; both doses must be completed at least one week before potential exposure
• Duration of protection — protection lasts for approximately two years in adults; a single booster dose can be taken if travel is repeated within two years
• Additional benefit — Dukoral also provides short-term protection against traveller’s diarrhoea caused by enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC), a common cause of stomach illness in travellers
• Suitability — Dukoral is suitable for adults and children aged two years and over

 

It is important to complete the full two-dose course and allow sufficient time before travel for protection to develop.  Our pharmacists at Jasins Pharmacy in Hounslow will advise on the correct timing for your specific departure date and itinerary.

 

Who Should Consider the Cholera Vaccine?

The cholera vaccine is not routinely recommended for most leisure travellers to popular tourist destinations.  However, it may be strongly advised for certain travellers depending on their destination, activities, and risk profile.

The cholera vaccine may be recommended for:

• Travellers visiting areas experiencing active cholera outbreaks, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa, South Asia, and parts of Latin America
• Those working in humanitarian aid, disaster relief, or healthcare in cholera-affected regions
• Travellers staying in areas with limited access to safe drinking water or adequate sanitation
• Backpackers or adventure travellers eating local food and living in close contact with local communities
• People with underlying health conditions such as reduced stomach acid, which can increase susceptibility to cholera infection

 

A travel health consultation at Jasins Pharmacy will help you assess whether the cholera vaccine is appropriate based on your destination, planned activities, and individual health circumstances.  Even if vaccination is not considered necessary, our team will provide guidance on food and water hygiene practices to minimise your risk.

 

Possible Side Effects

The Dukoral cholera vaccine is generally well tolerated and considered safe for use in adults and children aged two and over.  Side effects are typically mild and short-lived.

Possible side effects include:

• Stomach discomfort or abdominal pain
• Nausea
• Diarrhoea
• Headache
• Mild fever
• General fatigue

 

These side effects, if they occur, are usually mild and resolve on their own within a day or two.  Serious adverse reactions to the cholera vaccine are rare.  If you have any concerns about suitability or potential interactions with existing medications, our pharmacists will be happy to discuss these with you before your vaccination is administered.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

 

What is cholera?

Cholera is an acute bacterial infection caused by Vibrio cholerae, spread primarily through contaminated water and food in areas with poor sanitation.  In severe cases it can cause rapid, life-threatening dehydration, though with prompt treatment the majority of people recover fully.

 

How do you catch cholera?

Cholera is most commonly contracted by drinking contaminated water or eating food that has been prepared using contaminated water or by an infected person.  It is not spread through casual contact, but in areas with inadequate sanitation the risk of exposure through food and drink can be considerable.

 

What are the symptoms of cholera?

Cholera can cause profuse watery diarrhoea, nausea, vomiting, and rapid dehydration, with symptoms appearing anywhere from a few hours to five days after exposure.  In severe cases, the speed of fluid loss can be life-threatening without prompt medical treatment and rehydration.

 

Who should get the cholera vaccine?

The cholera vaccine is recommended for travellers visiting areas with active outbreaks, those working in aid or healthcare roles in high-risk regions, and anyone travelling to areas where access to safe water and sanitation is limited.  A consultation at Jasins Pharmacy will help determine whether vaccination is appropriate for your specific trip.

 

How long does the cholera vaccine last?

The Dukoral vaccine provides protection for approximately two years in adults following the completion of the two-dose course.  If you are travelling to a high-risk area again within two years, a single booster dose is sufficient to restore protection without repeating the full course.

 

Are there side effects from the cholera vaccine?

The Dukoral vaccine is generally well tolerated, and most people experience no side effects at all.  Where side effects do occur, they tend to be mild and may include stomach discomfort, nausea, or a mild headache, all of which usually resolve within one to two days.

 

Stay One Step Ahead When You Travel

If you are planning to visit a destination where cholera is a risk, taking precautions before you travel can make a significant difference to your health and safety.  Book a travel health consultation at Jasins Pharmacy in Hounslow today and let our experienced team ensure you are fully prepared for your trip.