Disease Fact File
Cholera
Cholera is usually rare in travellers other than those living in very poor sanitary conditions. Large numbers of the organism are required to make people sick – it is thought that there are probably many mild cases which do not result in investigations
Distribution and Transmission
Via contaminated water and food.
Prevention
It is believed that taking care with drinking water is more effective than vaccination.
Signs and Symptoms
After an incubation period of 6 – 72 hours the infection results in mild to extreme diarrhoea and extreme dehydration. This can last from 1 – 7 days. Fever is not present.
Treatment
Antibiotics and fluid replacement.