The Travel Health and Vaccine Specialists

Health Alert


LEVEL 1 - PRACTICE USUAL PRECAUTIONS

Cholera in Tanzania

Updated December 7, 2015

Released: November 25, 2015

Travel Health Notice

As of October 2015, the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare in Tanzania has reported an outbreak of cholera including 4,835 cases and 68 deaths. The regions affected are Dar es Salaam, Dodoma, Geita, Iringa, Kigoma, Kilimanjaro, Mara, Morogoro, Mwanza, Pwani, Singida, Shinyaga and Zanzibar.  Dar es Salaam is the region mostly affected reporting the majority of cases.

CholeraExternal link is an acute intestinal infection caused by the bacterium Vibrio cholerae. People usually become infected from drinking or eating contaminated water or food. It is associated with watery diarrhea and rapid dehydration, which can be life-threatening.

The Public Health Agency of Canada recommends practising safe food and water precautions External linkwhile in Tanzania.

Recommendations

Consult a health care provider or visit a travel health clinic preferably six weeks before you travel.

  1. Practise safe food and water precautions.
  2. Consider getting vaccinated
    • Most travellers are at low risk. Travellers at high risk for cholera (travellers visiting areas of high risk with limited access to clean water and food) may benefit from vaccination and should consult with a health care provider to discuss this option.
  3. If you develop severe diarrhea and/or vomiting while travelling or after you return to Canada
    • Seek medical attention immediately.
    • Drink fluids and use oral rehydration saltsExternal link to prevent dehydration.
      • Infants, young children and the elderly and those with underlying health conditions are at greatest risk of dehydration.
    • If you are still ill upon arrival into Canada, please tell the flight attendant before you land or the border services officer as you exit the flight.