Overview
Cholera is an acute intestinal infection caused by the bacterium Vibrio cholerae. It is spread through contaminated water and food, and causes severe watery diarrhoea that can lead to life-threatening dehydration within hours if untreated. Cholera remains endemic in many parts of the world and outbreaks occur regularly in areas with limited access to clean water. Dukoral is an oral cholera vaccine that also provides some protection against ETEC (enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli), the most common bacterial cause of travellers' diarrhoea. It is taken as a drink — no injection needed — making it a good option for needle-averse travellers. At Holborn Clinic, we stock Dukoral and can advise whether cholera vaccination is appropriate for your itinerary. For most tourist travel, the risk of cholera is low and vaccination is not routinely recommended — but for aid workers, long-stay travellers, and those visiting outbreak areas, it provides valuable additional protection.