Cholera: advising travellers

Cholera is a disease of global public health concern. Travellers may venture to parts of the world where cholera is endemic or where large outbreaks are occurring. In order to make an appropriate decision about disease risk and the advice to give regarding prevention, the travel health advisor must understand the aetiology of the disease and the indications for vaccination where appropriate.

This article provides an overview of cholera and cholera vaccination to help nurses advise those travelling overseas.

What is cholera?

Cholera is an acute intestinal infection that can result in severe diarrhoea. It is caused by a Gram negative bacterium of the Vibrio family, a genus which has many serotypes.