Cholera Vaccine: What You Need To Know

Why get vaccinated?

Cholera vaccine can prevent cholera.

Cholera is spread through contaminated food or water. It is not usually spread directly from person to person, but it can be spread through contact with the feces of an infected person. Cholera causes severe diarrhea and vomiting. If it isn’t treated quickly, it can lead to dehydration and even death.

Cholera is a risk mostly to people traveling to countries where the disease is common (Americas including Hispaniola, parts of Africa, South Asia, and Southeast Asia). While it is rare in the United States, cholera has also occurred among people eating raw or undercooked seafood from the Gulf Coast.

Besides being vaccinated, it is important to follow these five basic steps if you are going to an area where cholera is present:

• Drink and use safe water.
• Wash your hands often with soap and safe water.
• Use toilets when possible. If toilets are not available, bury feces at least 100 feet away from any body of water, including wells.
• Peel raw fruits and vegetables and cook other food thoroughly.
• Clean up safely. Thoroughly clean toilets and other surfaces that might be contaminated with feces.