What Is Cholera?
Cholera is a disease characterized by severe diarrhea leading to rapid dehydration, which if untreated, may lead to death in 24 hours. Cholera is transmitted through food or water contaminated with dog, cat or human feces.
Where Is It?
The US Centers for Disease Control reports that since 1961, V. cholerae has spread from Indonesia through most of Asia into eastern Europe and Africa, and from North Africa to the Iberian Peninsula. In 1991, an extensive epidemic began in Peru and spread to neighboring countries in the Western Hemisphere.
Prevention Tips
Follow strict food and water precautions while traveling.
Ensure all food is well-cooked - especially meat and seafood.
Consume only canned or commercially bottled drinks.
Ensure ice cubes are made from purified water.
Eat only fruits and vegetables that you wash and peel yourself.
Avoid cold cuts, salads, watermelon and puddings.
Available Immunizations
Currently there is no immunization available in the United States for Cholera.