Cholera in Zimbabwe

Updated: February 23, 2009

• Travel Health Notice
• About Cholera
• Recommendations for Travellers
• Monitor Your Health
• Don't Forget...
• Other Related Information

Travel Health Notice

The Ministry of Health in Zimbabwe has reported an outbreak of cholera affecting all provinces in the country. Cholera is an acute intestinal infection that usually causes diarrhea and/or vomiting.  As of February 18^th , 2009, the World Health Organization reports that there have been a total of 79,613 cases and 3,731 deaths in Zimbabwe related to the outbreak. Reports from Ministries of Health in neighbouring countries of South Africa, Botswana, Mozambique and Zambia have also confirmed cases in regions of their countries.

In the past, there have been annual outbreaks of cholera in Zimbabwe but none has been as serious as the current outbreak.

PHAC recommends that travellers practice safe food, water and personal hygiene precautions. Higher risk individuals including humanitarian aid workers and those who may have limited access to safe food and water should consider getting vaccinated.

• Further information is available from the World Health Organization Epidemic and Pandemic Alert and Response: Cholera in Zimbabwe
• Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada advises against non-essential travel to Zimbabwe

About Cholera

Cholera is an acute intestinal infection caused by the bacterium Vibrio cholerae. It is spread from person to person, usually through ingestion of contaminated water or food.

Symptoms

• Can take one to five days to appear
• Usually includes mild to moderate diarrhea with or without vomiting
• In more severe cases, it causes frequent watery diarrhea which can lead to severe dehydration and even death if not treated promptly

Transmission

• Cholera is spread through contaminated food and water
• Eating or drinking food or water contaminated by infected persons.
• Exposure to feces or vomit of an infected person.

Recommendations for Travellers

1. Practice safe food and water precautions
1. Boil it, cook it, peel it or leave it!
2. Always wash your hands before eating and drinking.
3. Eat only food that has been well cooked and is still hot when served. Avoid uncooked foods, especially shellfish and salads.
4. Drink and use ice from only purified water that has been boiled or disinfected with chlorine or iodine, or commercially bottled water in sealed containers. Carbonated drinks, including beer, are usually safe.
5. Avoid unpasteurized dairy products.
6. Avoid food from street vendors.
7. Avoid swimming in polluted or contaminated water.
8. Brush your teeth with purified or bottled water.
2. Consider getting vaccinated
1. Most travellers are at low risk; however those who may be at high risk (humanitarian relief workers, travellers visiting areas of high risk with limited access to clean water and food) should consult with a health care provider to discuss the benefits of getting vaccinated.


Monitor your health

PHAC advises travellers to seek medical attention immediately if they develop diarrhea after visiting Zimbabwe or surrounding countries.  

Don't Forget...

1. Consult a health care provider or visit a travel health clinic at least six weeks before you travel.
2. What to do if you get sick when you are travelling.
3. What to do if you get sick after you return to Canada.
4. Know what vaccines you need and when to get them.

Other Related Information

• CATMAT - Statement on Neworal Cholera and Travellers' Diarrhea Vaccination (2005)
• World Health Organization – Cholera in Zimbabwe- Update (dated 20 February, 2009)
• Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, Travel Report, Zimbabwe