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Cholera in Kenya

16 Apr 2015

The media has reported on an outbreak of cholera in Mombasa county on the coast in the far south of the country. Eleven cases have required admission to hospital for treatment.

The government is said to be providing immunisation to contain the outbreak. Contaminated shallow wells are considered to be the source of infection and the community is being advised to chlorinate water, maintain a good standard of personal hygiene and food safety.

Advice for Travellers

Cholera is considered an extremely low risk for travellers to Mombasa in Kenya who have access to safe drinking water and who maintain a high standard of personal hygiene and food safety. Immunisation against cholera would not normally be recommended.

Cholera vaccine is available for those mixing closely with the local population who cannot ensure safe water/food and a good standard of personal hygiene.