Cholera: guidance, data and analysis
The characteristics, diagnosis, management and epidemiology of cholera.
Applies to England, Northern Ireland and Wales
Cholera is caused by infection of one of two serogroups of the Vibrio cholerae bacteria, serogroups O1 and O139. Cholera is an acute diarrhoeal disease caused by eating and drinking contaminated food or water. Cases of cholera may be asymptomatic or have mild symptoms, including acute, profuse watery diarrhoea (‘rice water stools’) and vomiting, leading to dehydration. Some infections may progress to severe disease, and in extreme cases may result in death if untreated.
Cholera occurs mainly in Asia, Africa and the Americas, and there have been large outbreaks reported in recent years in Africa and Asia. Cholera does not occur in the UK but is sometimes reported in returning overseas travellers. Activities that may increase the risk of infection include drinking untreated water or eating poorly cooked food (particularly seafood) in areas where outbreaks are occurring.
A vaccine is available but is only recommended for some travellers. Travellers can reduce their risk of infection by ensuring good personal hygiene and following advice on preventing food and water spread diseases.
Health professionals should be alert to the possibility of cholera in those who have recently returned from an endemic area presenting with a severe watery diarrhoeal illness.
Cholera is a notifiable disease in England and Wales. Health professionals must inform local health protection teams of suspected cases.
More information about cholera is available from NHS.UK.
Diagnosis
Send the appropriate samples for testing (with full clinical and travel history) to the UK Health Security Agency Gastrointestinal bacteria reference unit (GBRU).
Management
Gastrointestinal infections: guidance for public health management
Epidemiology
Detailed information about cholera cases in England, Wales and Northern Ireland is available in the Travel-associated infections health protection reports.
Vaccination
Cholera: the green book, chapter 14
Travel health advice
Visiting friends and relatives abroad: health advice
National Travel Health Network and Centre (NaTHNaC) Cholera factsheet
National Travel Health Network and Centre (NaTHNaC) Food and water hygiene
Updates to this page
Last updated 5 August 2024 + show all updates
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Updated and added links and background information
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First published.