Cholera vaccines are available but they are not recommended for the prevention of cholera in the majority of travellers to endemic areas. Travellers planning to visit remote cholera areas where immediate medical attention is not available should discuss the question of treatment supplies for cholera with their physician or travel medicine clinic. However, this does not mean that the situation could not change in the near future. Canadians visiting the region are advised to pay particular attention to measures for avoiding insect bites. Following the storm there have been reports of outbreaks of Leptospirosis in a few areas.
Leptospirosis is a communicable disease acquired through contact with the urine of infected animals.
Contact may occur through swimming, accidental or occupational immersion, or through direct contact with urine or tissues of infected animals. Prevention is best achieved by avoiding contact with potentially contaminated water. Canadian travellers who may be at high risk because of their occupation should discuss preventive measures with their physician or with a travel medicine clinic. Eat food that has been well-cooked and is still hot when served. Drink only purified water that has been boiled or disinfected with chlorine or iodine, or commercially bottled water.