What is Cholera?

Cholera is a disease caused by the bacteria Vibrio Cholerae, which is spread by contaminated food and water. Cholera can lead to diarrhea & dehydration. Cholera is common after natural and manmade disasters in developing countries. For those individuals for whom it is suggested, the vaccine is taken orally and must be kept in the fridge at home.

Prevention

Food & Water Precautions

• Boil it, cook it, peel it or forget it
• Use purified water for brushing your teeth as well as drinking
• Safe water to drink is boiled, purified, or bottled
• Reliable purification systems include both a filter (for killing parasites) and a chemical (for killing viruses & bacteria) such as chlorine dioxide.
• Drink carbonated drinks, hot tea or coffee
• Avoid ice in your drinks
• Be cautious of unpasteurized dairy, ice cream, street vendors, buffet food, raw vegetables such as salads, large reef fish (grouper, snapper, barracuda) even if cooked.

 

Vaccination

Vaccine name: Dukoral®

Minimum age: 2 years

Primary series: 2 or 3 doses (1 to 6 weeks apart)

Booster: 1 dose within 5 years of primary series

Duration: 2 years of protection (or 6 months of protection for children 2-6 years old)

Price: $50 per dose