$Unique_ID{BRK02154}
$Pretitle{}
$Title{Cholera}
$Subject{Cholera shots Middle East Asia Africa Gulf Coast United States Vibrio
cholerae water seafoods Vomiting painless watery diarrhea dehydration
antibiotics tetracycline doxycycline bed rest fluid immunization vaccination
hygiene travel}
$Volume{}
$Log{}

Copyright (c) 1993   Tribune Media Services, Inc.


Cholera


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QUESTION:  As we contemplate a possible vacation to Africa, a life long dream,
we are working off a checklist of things to do.  One of the topics, of course,
is the need for shots, particularly cholera.  Did we have these shots as
children, and how many would we need?  Perhaps you can discuss cholera just a
bit, as we have never seen the disease in our part of the country.  Thank you
for all your fine efforts on behalf of your readers.

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ANSWER:  In these days of easy travel world wide, almost any infectious
disease can be found in places where it is not normally seen.  Though cholera
is most prevalent in the Middle East, Asia, and Africa, it is also seen
frequently along the Gulf Coast of the United States.  It is an infectious
disease, caused by an organism, Vibrio cholerae, and is transmitted though
water, seafoods and other foods that have been contaminated by the excrement
of an infected individual.  Many people who live in the parts of the world
where the germ is common develop a natural immunity.
     It doesn't take long for cholera to strike, only a period as short as a
few hours to 3 days, and when it does it can explosive.  Vomiting and painless
watery diarrhea can put the patient at the risk of dehydration, an important
consideration in its treatment.  When it is less severe, it can be
self-limiting, recovery coming within 3-6 days, by which time the vacation is
a bust.  Treatment requires replenishing the body's fluid reserves,
antibiotics (tetracycline or doxycycline) and bed rest.  So the best bet is a
bit of prevention, which might include cholera immunization.
     You most probably did not receive these immunizations as part of your
childhood care, and though they exist, they provide only partial protection in
areas where cholera is widespread and are not recommended.  The usual
vaccination is given as two injections 2 to 6 weeks apart, with a booster dose
every 3 months.
     Your first line of defense is to be cautious about eating uncooked foods
or vegetables, since food cooking foods at 160 degrees F or better will
destroy the germs; personal hygiene and frequent hand washing; and assuring
that your water is pure and uncontaminated.  It takes a large number of
organisms to transmit the disease, and most travelers are at a low risk of
contracting the disease unless they suffer from some stomach problems.  Hope
your trip is a most pleasant adventure.

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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical
problem.