Cholera
Who Gets Cholera
Cholera can occur in any area where drinking water is contaminated with sewage. Travellers to Africa, Asia, and Central America are prone to contracting cholera, as the disease is epidemic in those areas of the world. Also, anyone eating raw seafood, especially seafood from areas where cholera is prevalent, is at risk for contracting the disease.
What are the symptoms of cholera?
Symptoms of cholera usually start one to five days after exposure to the bacteria. The majority of people exposed to cholera never develop any symptoms, but they can excrete the bacteria in their stools and expose other people to the disease for up to two weeks.
If symptoms do occur, they can range from mild diarrhea (90% of cases) to severe diarrhea and vomiting that can lead to dehydration, shock, and even death if the condition isn't treated.How is cholera treated?
The most important aspect of cholera treatment is replacing the lost body fluids (rehydration). An oral electrolyte solution is the best type of fluid for this purpose. These solutions are available at most pharmacies, even abroad, but it is best to bring your own. In severe cases of dehydration (loss of body fluid), medical help should be sought, because this can lead to shock and, if left untreated, even death
Can cholera be prevented?
The easiest way to prevent cholera is the same way travellers prevent other food- and water-borne illness: peel it, boil it, cook it, or forget it!
Drink only bottled or treated water (including when you brush your teeth). When served bottled water or soda, make sure the container's seal is intact, dry off the container before drinking, and consider using a straw rather than pouring it into a glass that may have been washed in contaminated water. Do not use ice in your drink. Boiled water used for coffee or tea is usually safe, but make sure the drink is still steaming hot when it is served to you. Beware of buffets, where food sits out for a long time. Avoid raw seafood and raw or undercooked meat, poultry, and vegetables.Is there a vaccine to protect against cholera?
An oral cholera vaccine is given in two doses. While the vaccine does seem to limit the most severe forms of traveller's diarrhea, it is not entirely effective because it protects against only one of the cholera strains.
The vaccine cannot be given to children under the age of two years. Your best protection against this disease is to be very careful about the foods and beverages you consume. According to the Public Health Agency of Canada, vaccination is not recommended for the majority of travellers, since the risk of getting cholera is relatively low and the only strain of the disease that it protects against is not the strain most prevalent in Southeast Asia. However, the Public Health Agency of Canada does recommend that travellers who may be at increased risk for acquiring cholera—for example, health professionals working in high-risk areas, aid workers in refugee camps, travellers to remote cholera areas without access to safe water supplies—may wish to consider receiving the vaccine.If I suspect I might have cholera, when should I see a doctor?
If you or your travelling companions have any of the following, seek medical attention immediately:
- Bloody stools
- High fever (greater than 39° C/102° F)
- Persistent vomiting
- Severe abdominal pain
- Bilious vomiting (vomit that is pea-green in colour)
- Inability to drink
- Decreased urine output (less than once every six to eight hours)
- Tea-coloured urine or blood in the urine
- Lack of tears or dry inside of the mouth
How is cholera treated?
The most important aspect of cholera treatment is replacing the lost body fluids (rehydration). An oral electrolyte solution is the best type of fluid for this purpose. These solutions are available at most pharmacies, even abroad, but it is best to bring your own. In severe cases of dehydration (loss of body fluid), medical help should be sought, because this can lead to shock and, if left untreated, even death
When opioid dependence is established our physician will prescribe substitution medication for you.
YOU WILL NOT RECEIVE MEDICATION ON THE FIRST VISIT
