When Visiting Cholera Outbreaks, Vaccination Is Advised

The European CDC recently confirmed cholera cases have continued to be reported in Africa and Asia in recent months, with outbreaks in parts of the Middle East and the Region of the Americas.

The Communicable Disease Threats Report for week #48 stated that since January 2024 and as of November 25, 2024, 490,700 cholera cases, including 3,693 deaths, have been reported worldwide.

New cholera deaths have been reported from Afghanistan, Burundi, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ethiopia, Ghana, Malawi, South Sudan, Sudan, the United Republic of Tanzania, and Zimbabwe.

Recent data from the WHO indicates the number of cholera-related deaths increased by 54% globally this year.

However, most European countries have escaped cholera outbreaks.

Nine EU/EEA countries reported 29 cases in 2022, two countries in 2021, and none in 2020.

In this context, the ECDC stated on November 29, 2024, that although the risk of cholera infection for travelers visiting these countries remains low, sporadic importation of cases to Europe is possible.

In the United States, nearly all cholera cases reported are acquired during international travel. As of the end of November 20224, seven cholera cases were reported to the CDC this year.

The CDC writes, 'Visit a healthcare provider or travel clinic to discuss cholera vaccination if you plan to visit an area where cholera is present, or where the water and food are unsafe to drink and eat.'