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Cholera in Canada (Vancouver)

26 March 2018

Local health authorities have reported (via media) 3 cases of cholera (1 confirmed, 2 suspected) on Vancounver Island. It is believed that this is linked to eating herring eggs gathered from seaweed on the shore.

Health authorities are warning the public not to eat herring eggs found on kelp, seaweed or other surfaces harvested from the French Creek to Qualicum Bay area.

Advice for Travellers

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).

For further information see Cholera.