According to WHO (World Health Organisation), cholera continues to be a major health issue in several countries in the Africa region.
Six countries are in crisis:
Since the beginning of 2024, more than 59,000 cases and 1,200 deaths have been reported. The situation has worsened over the wet season in southern Africa.
This is an ongoing outbreak with over 350,000 cases over the last 2 years.
The TGA (Therapeutics Goods Administration) approved a second cholera vaccine, Vaxchora, in September 2023. It is now available.
Primary prevention of cholera rests with attention to the rules of eating and drinking safely. Cholera vaccination be considered in individuals at high risk of exposure (outbreaks) or in those with pre-existing health issues which might put them at higher risk of serious disease.
Individual factors might include those taking PPI’s, inflammatory bowel disease, and immune suppression.
