Cholera in the Philippines

The Department of Health of the Philippines reports ongoing transmission of cholera in the country.

From 1 January 2022 to 8 October 2022 there have been 3 980 cases, including 37 deaths.

Two-thirds of cases have been reported in Central Visayas Region. Eastern Visayas, Western Visayas, Davao, Caraga and Bicol Regions are also affected by the outbreak.

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 more information, please see the TRAVAX Cholera Page.