Each year between 3 and 5 million Cholera cases are reported leading to over 100,000 deaths and mind you Cholera cases are often under reported.So, cholera vaccination is a necessity for UK residents traveling abroad. Dukoral is the cholera vaccination presently recommended for residents of UK traveling abroad. This oral vaccine became available in UK way back in 2004 and is the only vaccine currently accessible in UK. The vaccine is orally administered in two doses: one taken not more than six weeks prior to departure and the second taken not less than one week before the trip. Children between 2 and 6 need one extra dose 1 to 6 week post the second dose. Dukoral provides protection one week after vaccination and has been found to be effective in up to 85% of cholera cases and 25% of travelers’ diarrhea cases.Frankly speaking, Dukoral is not necessary for most destinations but may be prescribed for certain people travelling to destinations where cholera may occur. Your pharmacist will advise if you should get vaccinated.
How dangerous is cholera?
As stated above 100000 deaths are credited to cholera every year. About 1/5thof all cholera patients develop severe symptoms. The infection can kill within hours if treatment is inaccessible. Symptoms of cholera usually show up after two to three days of infection and include:
- Profuse, watery diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Dehydration
- Leg cramps
- Rapid fluid loss
- Shock
1/5th of cases in which severe symptoms show up are really worrisome but even mild cholera symptoms have the potential of ruining a trip with diarrhea or vomiting. But it is true that at times symptoms are really mild and in many cases symptoms don’t even show up. A person inflicted with cholera can pass up to a litre of diarrhea per hour. Important point to be noted here is that cases of cholera are mostly confined to areas with poor water hygiene and sanitation and includes parts of Asia, South America and Africa.
Some groups are at higher risk compared to others
Visitors to any part of the world where cholera is prevalent have some risk of infection. But, some groups are at considerably higher risk compared to others:
- Travelers visiting rural areas – In rural areas you are bound to have limited access to clean water or medical facilities and hence cholera could fast become a really serious concern.
- Travelerspaying a visit to family orfriends – It’sdoubly hard to follow safe food and water precautions while paying a visit to family. This group accounts for over 60 percent of travel-related cholera cases.
- Aid/Healthcare Workers – Aid/Healthcare Workers are quite naturally at increased risk as they often come in contact with bodily fluid or contaminated water. Health workers can help others only if they are hale and hearty.
- Health Factors – Some individuals are at far greater risk of contracting a severe case of cholera and include those with chronic medical conditions, type O blood, achlorhydria etc.