Cholera in Pakistan (Sindh, Balochistan & Punjab)

On 17 June 2022, the World Health Organization issued an update on the continuing cholera outbreak in Pakistan.

As of 27 May 2022, Sindh, Balochistan and Punjab provinces have reported a total of 290 cases of cholera. Most cases (234) have been reported in Sindh. Balochistan has reported 31 cases (including 9 deaths). Panjab has reported 25 cases.

Cholera is an acute diarrhoeal infection caused by ingestion of faecally contaminated food or water, and occasionally foodstuffs such as shellfish.

Advice for Travellers

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

All travellers should be given advice on:

• maintaining safe food and water precautions
• effective hand hygiene
• basic steps in self-treating diarrhoea, particularly remaining adequately hydrated

Vaccination against cholera is dependent on the individual risk assessment, but may be considered for:

• volunteers/humanitarian workers/medical personnel travelling to disaster relief situations where cholera outbreaks are likely
• travellers with remote itineraries in areas where cholera outbreaks are occurring and there is limited access to medical care

For further information see the TRAVAX Cholera page.