What Is Cholera? Symptoms, Risks & How to Stay Protected While Travelling

If you're planning travel to a destination where clean water and sanitation aren’t always guaranteed, it's worth knowing about cholera—a serious and potentially life-threatening infection.

In this blog, we’ll explain what cholera is, who’s most at risk, what symptoms to look out for, and how you can protect yourself with vaccines and simple precautions.

🌍 What Is Cholera?

Cholera is an acute bacterial infection caused by drinking contaminated water or eating contaminated food. It’s caused by the bacterium Vibrio cholerae, which thrives in settings with poor sanitation, limited access to clean water, or areas recently affected by floods, war, or natural disasters.

While cholera is rarely seen in the UK, it's still common in parts of:

• Africa

• South Asia (especially Bangladesh, India, and Nepal)

• Haiti and other parts of the Caribbean

• Middle East

• Some regions of South and Central America

🌐 Did you know? There are an estimated 1.3 to 4 million cases of cholera each year, resulting in as many as 143,000 deaths globally.

🤢 What Are the Symptoms of Cholera?

Not everyone who catches cholera gets sick—but around 1 in 10 people will develop severe symptoms.

Symptoms usually start between a few hours to five days after exposure and may include:

• Sudden, profuse watery diarrhoea (often described as “rice water” in appearance)

• Severe vomiting

• Rapid dehydration

• Leg cramps, weakness, sunken eyes

• In extreme cases: shock, unconsciousness, or even death

Without treatment, cholera can be fatal—especially in children, older adults, or people with other medical conditions.

🧪 How Is Cholera Diagnosed?

Diagnosis is based on symptoms and travel history, with confirmation via a stool sample. However, in many low-resource countries, cholera often goes under-reported, so the true burden of disease is likely much higher than official numbers suggest.

🧭 Who’s Most at Risk When Travelling?

You’re most at risk if you’re:

• Travelling to remote or outbreak-prone areas

• Visiting family or staying in local accommodation

• Working in humanitarian aid, refugee camps or conflict zones

• Unable to access clean water or healthcare while abroad

🧼 How to Prevent Cholera When Travelling

✅ Practice Safe Food and Water Habits

• Drink bottled, boiled, or filtered water only

• Avoid ice cubes unless made with purified water

• Eat hot, freshly prepared food

• Avoid raw seafood or uncooked vegetables

💡 Boil it, peel it, cook it—or leave it!

💉 Is There a Cholera Vaccine Available in the UK?

Yes—there are two oral cholera vaccines available privately through UK travel clinics, including Ready Health Clinic:

⚠️ Note: The vaccines are not interchangeable. Your clinician will recommend the most suitable option based on your travel plans and age.

🧳 Who Should Get the Cholera Vaccine?

Vaccination is recommended for travellers to cholera-endemic areas, especially if:

• You’ll be staying for long periods

• You won’t have reliable access to medical care

• You’re working in healthcare, sanitation, or aid settings

• You’ve had previous episodes of traveller’s diarrhoea

📦 What Else Should You Take?

Even with a vaccine, it's a good idea to carry:

• Oral rehydration salts (ORS)

• Anti-diarrhoeal medication (if advised)

• A water purification kit or tablets

• Your vaccination record and travel insurance details

🔎 More Information

• Green Book Chapter 14 – Cholera

• Dukoral® SPC | Vaxchora® SPC

Book Your Cholera Vaccine at Ready Health

If you’re travelling to a cholera-risk region, don’t wait until the last minute. Book a travel health consultation with one of our expert clinicians.

We’ll help you:
✅ Review your destination risks
✅ Choose the right cholera vaccine
✅ Get advice on food and water hygiene
✅ Prepare a personal travel health kit

📍 Based in Standish, Wigan, we welcome patients from Chorley, Bolton, Horwich and across the North West.

📞 Call us today or book online.