The Village Pharmacy

Cholera

Cholera is a severe intestinal infection that results in watery diarrhea, vomiting, and can lead to circulatory collapse and shock, make sure you know the symptoms and how to protect yourself.

Common Locations

Where is This Virus Found?

Cholera is not found in the UK, and whilst there is not specific list of countries where Cholera can be found, it is moreover found in food and water that have been contaminated by feces (poo) from a person infected with cholera bacteria. Cholera is most likely to occur and spread in places where water isn’t treated properly, and where poor sanitation and hygiene is found.

Cholera bacteria can also live in the environment, in places such as rivers and coastal waters. Cases where patients have eaten raw Shellfish have also been source of infections.

How can I protect myself or others from Cholera?

Good hygiene can help stop you getting ill while travelling in areas where cholera is found. Tips on good hygiene can be washing your hands with soap and water regularly, especially after using the toilet. Only drink tap water if it has been boiled to remove any bacteria, or preferably, stick to bottled water. This also stems to only using clean water, such as boiled water or bottled water when brushing your teeth.

What not to do:

Common Symptoms of Cholera

Here are three symptoms to help recognise the disease

Watery Diarrhea

Sickness Vomiting

Feeling Thirsty

Leg Cramps

Illness & Symptoms

People with severe cholera can develop severe dehydration, which can lead to kidney failure. If left untreated, severe dehydration can lead to shock, coma, and death within hours.

When cholera patients are treated quickly, they usually recover without long-term consequences. Cholera patients do not typically become carriers of the cholera bacteria after they recover, but they get sick if exposed again.

The Cholera Vaccine:

There is a vaccine available for Cholera, and we offer this at Village Pharmacy, here in Charlton. The vaccine is usually recommended if you’re travelling to an area where the virus is common and you’ll be going to remote places without access to medical care.

How we administer the vaccine:

The vaccine is given as a drink. For adults, 2 doses (given 1 to 6 weeks apart) can provide protection from cholera for up to 2 years. You MUST have had both doses at least a week before travelling to ensure you’re fully protected from the virus.