Cholera

Cholera is a disease, characterised by profuse, watery diarrhoea, caused by certain toxin-producing forms of the bacteria called Vibrio cholera. Cholera is transmitted by ingesting (eating and drinking) contaminated water or food. It is common in many low-income countries and is largely linked to poverty, bad sanitation and poor access to clean drinking water.

The risk of cholera for most travellers is extremely low. Activities that may increase risk include drinking untreated water or eating poorly cooked food (particularly seafood) in areas where outbreaks are occurring. Travellers living in unsanitary conditions, including humanitarian workers in disaster/refugee areas, are also at risk.

Cholera can be mild or occur without symptoms in healthy individuals. Symptoms include sudden, profuse, watery diarrhoea with associated nausea and vomiting. If untreated, cholera can rapidly lead to serious dehydration and shock; fifty percent of those with serious complications, die. With quick and effective treatment, risk of dying is less than one percent.

Prevention

Travellers can reduce their risk of being ill from cholera by ensuring good personal hygiene and following advice on preventing food and water spread diseases.

Cholera vaccines

In the United Kingdom (UK) cholera vaccination is not recommended for most travellers. It is only advised for travellers whose activities or medical history put them at increased risk, including:

  • Aid workers.
  • Those going to areas of cholera outbreaks who have limited access to safe water and medical care.
  • Those for whom vaccination is considered potentially beneficial (i.e. for those who do not fit into the above groups, but are still considered at higher risk).

There are two cholera vaccines available in the UK: Dukoral® and Vaxchora®.

Dukoral® is an oral (drink), inactivated cholera vaccine that protects against V. cholerae serogroup O1.

Vaccine schedule (Dukoral)

Age range Schedule Duration of protection
Adults and children from 6 years Two doses with an interval of at least 1 week but less than 6 weeks between them* 2 years
Age 2 to below 6 years Three doses with an interval of at least 1 week but less than 6 weeks between them* 6 months
*If more than 6 weeks have elapsed between doses the primary course should be restarted. If more than 2 years (or 6 months for children aged 2 to below 6 years of age) has elapsed since the last dose of vaccine, the primary course should be repeated.

Further information about Dukoral® can be found in the Summary of Product Characteristics (SPC).

Vaxchora® is also an oral (drink) cholera vaccine that protects against V. cholerae serogroup O1.

Vaxchora® is a live vaccine (it contains live attenuated cholera bacteria) and is contraindicated for anyone who is immunosuppressed. See the cholera chapter of Immunisation against infectious disease (also known as 'the Green Book'), for further details.

Vaccine schedule (Vaxchora)

Age range Schedule Duration of protection
Adults and children from 2 years of age** A single oral dose should be administered at least 10 days prior to potential exposure to V. cholerae O1 No data are available on revaccination interval
**The safety and efficacy of Vaxchora® in children less than 2 years has not been established.

Further information about Vaxchora® can be found in the Summary of Product Characteristics (SPC).

Resources

Explore more

Malaria

Malaria is a serious and sometimes fatal disease, transmitted by the bite of an infected mosquito occurring in many tropical regions of the world

West Nile virus

West Nile virus (WNV) is a type of flavivirus (like dengue or Zika) that can cause a potentially serious infection in humans

Ebola disease

Ebola is an infectious disease caused by a virus (filovirus)

Oropouche virus disease

Oropouche virus disease is an arboviral disease caused by the Oropouche virus (OROV) spread to humans mainly through the bite of an infected midge

Measles

Measles is a highly infectious viral illness with the potential for serious and life-threatening complications

Recent News on Cholera

Cholera cases reported in the United Kingdom and Germany linked to Ethiopia

Information for travellers and health professionals

Updated: 07 March 2025

Updated cholera 'green book' chapter published

The cholera chapter in the 'green book' (Immunisation against infectious disease) has been updated

Updated: 01 August 2024

Cholera vaccine shortage: advice for health professionals

Cholera cases increase worldwide, with shortages of cholera vaccine reported

Updated: 05 March 2024

Cholera: worldwide risk reminder

A reminder of the risks of cholera worldwide and the importance of good food, water and personal hygiene for all travellers

Updated: 22 June 2023


Recent Cholera Outbreaks

14 October 2025

Cholera in DRC

Between 1 January and 31 August 2025, a total of 51,074 suspected cholera cases and 1,539 deaths have been reported across 20 out of 26 provinces. Of the 6,648 samples analysed, 2,866 tested positive for cholera. Localised surges in cases are still causing concern, particularly in Goma (North Kivu), in South Kivu, and in parts of Kinshasa. Please see our Topics in Brief article for further details on cholera.

2
Take usual precautions

07 October 2025

Cholera in Chad

As of 5 October 2025, a total of 2,667 cholera cases (with 81 confirmed) and 149 deaths have been reported from three out of 23 provinces in Chad since the start of the outbreak (13 July 2025). Please see our Topics in Brief article for further details on cholera.

Take usual precautions

06 October 2025

Cholera in Zambia

As of 4 October 2025, the Zambia Ministry of Health have reported, 277 cholera cases and two deaths since the outbreak began on 5 August 2025. Cases have been reported from Mpulungu (218 cases), Nsama (33 cases), Mbala (16 cases), Senga Hill (5 cases) and Mpika (5 cases) districts. Please see our Topics in Brief article for further details on cholera.

Take usual precautions

01 October 2025

Cholera in Burundi

As of 30 September 2025, a total of 1,108 cases of cholera and six deaths have been reported from three of 18 provinces in Burundi since the start of 2025. There has been a 69 percent increase in cases in the last four weeks. Since the beginning of the outbreak (December 2022), a total of 3,324 cases (3,259 confirmed) and 18 deaths have been reported across the country. Please see our Topics in Brief article for further details on cholera.

Take usual precautions