Cholera (Children)
What is Cholera?
Cholera is a bacterial infection that causes severe diarrhoea and dehydration. It spreads quickly in areas with poor sanitation and unsafe water, and can be especially dangerous for young children due to rapid fluid loss.
How is it Spread?
- By drinking contaminated water or eating unsafe food
- Through poor handwashing or contact with dirty surfaces
- Common in regions with poor sanitation or during outbreaks
Who is at Risk?
- Children travelling to parts of Africa, Asia, or Central/South America
- Those staying in rural areas without clean water or proper toilets
- Children in areas affected by floods or natural disasters
- Young children, who are more vulnerable to dehydration
Signs and Symptoms:
- Sudden, watery diarrhoea
- Nausea, vomiting, and stomach cramps
- Signs of dehydration: dry mouth, tiredness, sunken eyes, reduced urination
When to Consider Vaccination:
- Before travel to countries with recent cholera outbreaks
- If staying in remote areas with poor sanitation
- For children with medical conditions that increase dehydration risk
The Vaccine:
- Taken by mouth in 2–3 doses, depending on age
- Protects for up to 2 years
- Safe and well tolerated, but should always be combined with good hygiene and food safety
Do
- Ensure your child drinks only bottled or purified water while travelling
- Encourage frequent handwashing with soap, especially before eating and after toilet use
- Speak to a travel health advisor about whether the oral cholera vaccine is appropriate for your child
Do not
- Let children drink from taps, fountains, or open water sources
- Rely only on sanitiser for hand hygiene in high-risk areas
- Assume cholera vaccination is not needed just because the trip is short