In such cases, antibiotics can also be taken, but their use is limited. Cholera is often caused by eating contaminated shellfish such as that harvested or kept in waters poisoned by excrement. Health authorities advise travelers to known cholera areas to avoid local tap water and dairy products. All fruit should be thoroughly washed in bottled water. The disease cannot be passed directly from person to person, but it can be contracted from food prepared by a carrier.
Oral vaccines are commercially available and have proven to be effective.
However, the head of the WHO cholera task force, Dr. Maria Neira, points out that even when travelers are vaccinated, they should not let down their guard. They sometimes do not take the minimum precautions. All Rights Reserved. Terms under which this service is provided to you. Read our privacy guidelines .