News
13 November 2007
Outbreak of cholera in Viet Nam
An outbreak of acute diarrhoea has been reported in northern Viet Nam. Media reports state that cholera has been laboratory confirmed in over 150 of the 1378 reported cases since the outbreak was first reported on 23 October 2007 [1, 2]. Thirteen cities and provinces have reported cases, with the majority of cases being reported in Hanoi [3].
Advice for travellers
Cholera is an acute diarrhoeal illness caused by the bacterium Vibrio cholerae. It is transmitted through contaminated food and water. Most travellers are at very low risk, but should practise food and water hygiene precautions. Travellers at higher risk, for whom cholera vaccination may be recommended, include humanitarian aid workers and those travelling to areas experiencing an outbreak who will have limited access to safe drinking water or medical care [4,5]. Advice specific to countries that have consistently reported cholera outbreaks for at least three of the years between the period 2001-2006, or have had a large outbreak within that period, can be found on the NaTHNaC Country Information Pages.
References
1. Reuters. More than 150 cholera cases in Viet Nam: State media, 11 November 2007. Accessed 12 November 2007. Available at: http://uk.reuters.com/article/healthNews/idUKHAN30185320071
2. ProMed-Mail. Cholera, diarrhea and dysentery update 2007, 9 November 2007. Accessed 12 November 2007. Available at: http://www.promedmail.org/pls/promed/f?p=2400:1001:822212
3477454676291::NO::F2400_P1001_BACK_PAGE,F2400_P100
3. ProMed-Mail. Cholera, diarrhea and dysentery update 2007, 7 November 2007. Accessed 12 November 2007. Available at: http://www.promedmail.org/pls/promed/f?p=2400:1001:2930348
759674841008::NO::F2400_P1001_BACK_PAGE,F2400_P1001
4. Hill DR, Ford L and Lalloo, DG. Oral cholera vaccines: use in clinical practice. Lancet Infect Dis 2006;6:361-73
5. Salisbury D, Ramsay M, Noakes K. [eds.] Immunisation against infectious disease. 2006. Chapter 14 Cholera. Department of Health, London. Available at http://www.dh.gov.uk/en/Policyandguidance/Healthandsocialca
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