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Cholera in Vietnam
Friday 16-Nov-2007
A diarrhea epidemic has spread to 11 provinces and cities of Viet Nam and
up to 15 per cent of hospitalized patients have been diagnosed with cholera.
At present, 11 provinces and cities are on the cholera epidemic list - mainly in the north. Hanoi has the highest number of severe diarrhoea patients and they come from all parts of the city. It appears that the main food culprit is shrimp paste.
Whilst the Travel Doctor rarely recommends cholera vaccine this is a reminder that all travellers to Vietnam should be cautious with what they eat and drink. The food in Vietnam is a major draw card for travellers, yet they should try and stick to bottled water and eat only freshly cooked food. If anyone should develop severe diarrhoea whilst there or on their return home they should seek medical attention immediately.
Cholera is a bacterial infection that results in severe watery diarrhoea. If left untreated people can die from dehydration. Treatment is via replacement of lost fluids (usually through a drip) and antibiotics.
We recommend that you consult one of our clinics as soon
as your itinerary is known so that a program of vaccination can be planned.
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