What is Cholera? Symptoms, Causes & How to Prevent It Before You Travel

April 24, 2025

Cholera is a potentially life-threatening diarrhoeal illness caused by consuming contaminated food or water. Although rare in the UK, it is still a significant risk in many developing countries — particularly for travellers.

In this article, we explain what cholera is, its symptoms, causes, treatment, and most importantly, how you can protect yourself before travelling.

What Causes Cholera?

Cholera is caused by the bacterium Vibrio cholerae, which produces a toxin that affects the small intestine, leading to rapid loss of fluids and electrolytes.

It is usually spread through:

Contaminated water supplies
Poor sanitation
Inadequate food hygiene
Raw or undercooked seafood in some regions

Outbreaks are often linked to areas with limited access to clean water or following natural disasters and conflicts.

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Where is Cholera Found?

Cholera is endemic in parts of:

South Asia (especially Bangladesh and India)
Sub-Saharan Africa
Southeast Asia
Haiti and parts of Central America
Some areas of the Middle East

Travellers visiting rural or low-resource settings are at higher risk, particularly where infrastructure is underdeveloped.

Symptoms of Cholera

Cholera symptoms can appear within 1 to 5 days after exposure and vary in severity. In mild cases, there may be no symptoms at all. In severe cases, it can lead to death within hours without treatment.

Common symptoms include:

Sudden, profuse watery diarrhoea (“rice-water stools”)
Nausea and vomiting
Muscle cramps
Extreme thirst
Rapid heartbeat
Low blood pressure
Severe dehydration

In children, symptoms can progress rapidly and are more dangerous.

How is Cholera Diagnosed?

Diagnosis is usually made by:

Stool sample analysis
Clinical assessment based on symptoms and travel history

Laboratory confirmation is often used in outbreak settings or hospitalised cases.

How is Cholera Treated?

Most cases can be treated effectively with:

Oral rehydration salts (ORS) to prevent dehydration
Antibiotics in severe cases to reduce duration of illness
IV fluids if dehydration is extreme

Early treatment is critical and recovery is usually fast with proper care.

How Can Travellers Prevent Cholera?

Cholera is highly preventable, especially with a combination of vaccination and safe hygiene practices.

✅ 1. Get Vaccinated

We offer the oral cholera vaccine (Dukoral) at our travel clinic in Great Yarmouth. This vaccine helps prevent infection by stimulating your body’s natural defences in the gut.

Schedule: 2 doses (1 week apart) for adults
Protection: Up to 2 years
Minimum Age: 2 years

Book your cholera vaccine →

✅ 2. Practice Food and Water Safety

Drink only bottled, boiled, or treated water
Avoid ice in drinks
Eat food that is thoroughly cooked and still hot
Avoid raw salads, shellfish, and fruit unless peeled by yourself
Wash hands regularly with soap or use alcohol hand gel

Should You Get the Cholera Vaccine?

The cholera vaccine is recommended for:

Travellers to remote or high-risk areas
Humanitarian workers
Volunteers in refugee camps or disaster zones
People with underlying health conditions or weakened immune systems

It may also be required by some employers or organisations for travel clearance.

Final Thoughts

Cholera remains a real health threat in many parts of the world, but it is entirely preventable. Whether you’re travelling for work, volunteering, or tourism — protecting yourself with the cholera vaccine is a safe and effective step.

Cholera Vaccinations at Our Travel Clinic

We offer the Dukoral cholera vaccine at our private travel clinic in Gorleston, Great Yarmouth, covering the local area and 30-mile radius including Lowestoft, Norwich, Beccles, Hemsby, Hopton, and Caister.

→ Book your appointment online now