Cholera in Benin

On 16 August 2016 local government authorities declared an outbreak of cholera following an initial report of three cases in So-Ava. Initially reported and verified cases were so few that local authorities considered them manageable. However, a sharp spike in confirmed cases between 25 – 30 August 2016 in the three main areas of Cotonou, Savalou and So-Ava have resulted in a request from Benin Red Cross Society for humanitarian aid.

As of 4 September 2016, a total of 281 cases and 9 deaths were recorded with a 3.20% case fatality rate, with Cotonou the most affected area to date.

(Via Relief Web - accessed 15/09/16)

Advice for Travellers

Severe cholera is rare in travellers, mild cases may present as travellers' diarrhoea.

• All travellers should be given advice on maintaining good food, water and hand hygiene, see traveller's diarrhoea, safe eating and drinking and water purification.
• Travellers should be advised on basic steps in self - treating diarrhoea, particularly maintaining hydration.

When to consider vaccination

Vaccination should be considered under the following circumstances and is dependant on the individual risk assessment:

• Volunteers/aid workers/medical personnel in disaster relief situations where cholera outbreaks likely.
• Those travelling to work in slums/refugee camps, areas affected by natural disasters, or countries experiencing cholera outbreaks (see current notes on the country concerned).