Cholera often occurs in areas with poor sanitation particularly those experiencing natural disasters or war. It is an infection of the small intestine causing acute diarrhoea and vomiting, this can lead to dehydration and electrolyte imbalances making cholera a potentially fatal condition.

Signs and symptoms can develop 1-5 days after the ingestion of the bacteria and include vomiting of a clear liquid and pale, cloudy and painless diarrhoea.

As well as vaccinations you can prevent contracting cholera by:

• Avoiding ice from unknown water sources
• Only drinking water that is treated or from a sealed bottle
• Avoiding uncooked food
• Only eating fruit which can be peeled
• Maintaining good personal hygiene

Vaccination against cholera is highly effective and can offer up to 2 years protection.