Cholera In Africa

Cholera in Africa is a bacterial infection, which causes severe diarrhoea and can eventually lead to death through severe dehydration.

Shaded areas have reported cholera cases

The cholera bacteria are spread through contaminated food and water, or from one infected person to another through the faecal-oral route.
Cholera infection causes dramatic fluid loss, leading to death in about 9 hours unless rehydration is instituted vigorously.
It is present in parts of the world where sanitation and hygiene are poor.
Any traveller or hunter in areas where cholera is endemic is at risk. This includes parts of Africa.

The cholera disease causes characteristically watery diarrhoea, described as 'rice-water' stool.
Symptoms of dehydration like impaired consciousness, may occur if rehydration is not prompt.
Vomiting, muscular and abdominal cramps may occur.

The best way to prevent any diseases causing diarrhoea is to be very careful with food and water while in an endemic area.
Food products that could potentially put a traveller at risk and that should be avoided include raw fish and seafood products, and any food that has been washed in potentially unclean water.
Proper cooking of food and adequate boiling of water will protect the traveller from contamination through food and water. Strict personal hygiene is also essential.
Cholera vaccination is not usually advised because of the brief and incomplete immunity that the vaccines confer.