28 September 2007

Cholera outbreak in Iraq

An outbreak of cholera, which began in August 2007, is reported to have affected 25 districts in northern Iraq, four districts in southern Iraq, and areas throughout the centre of the country [1].  It is estimated that 30,000 people are unwell with acute watery diarrhoea, of which 2,116 have tested positive for Vibrio cholerae. The case fatality rate has remained low and is currently 0.5%. A multi-sectoral response to the outbreak has been initiated by the Government of Iraq and is being supported by the World Health Organization.

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

practice 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 [2,3].

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. World Health Organization. Cholera in Iraq – update 2. 25 September 2007. [Accessed 28 September 2007]. Available at http://www.who.int/csr/don/2007_09_25/en/index.html

2. Hill DR, Ford L and Lalloo, DG. Oral cholera vaccines: use in clinical practice. Lancet Infect Dis 2006;6:361-73

Salisbury D, Ramsay M, Noakes K. [eds.] Immunisation against infectious disease. 2006. Chapter 14 Cholera. 3. Department of Health, London. Available at http://www.dh.gov.uk/en/Policyandguidance/Healthandsocialca

retopics/Greenbook/DH_4097254

Links and further information

NaTHNaC Health Information Sheet. Cholera       http://www.nathnac.org/travel/factsheets/cholera.htm

NaTHNaC Health Information Sheet. Prevention of Food- and water- borne diseases. 

http://www.nathnac.org/travel/misc/travellers_food.htm