Dukoral
This page was reviewed or revised on Monday, July 25, 2011 10:24 AM
Environmental Health & Prevention Services
What is travellers' diarrhea?
- Diarrheal illness is the most common medical problem affecting travellers visiting developing countries.
- Travellers’ diarrhea can be a serious illness, which is often difficult to treat in remote unfamiliar areas.
- Travellers with chronic illnesses are at an increased risk of serious side-effects from a diarrheal illness.
- Dehydration is of a particular concern for children, the elderly and persons with chronic illnesses.
- Diarrheal illness can be caused by food or water borne illnesses.
What is cholera?
Cholera is an acute bacterial infection that causes profuse watery stool. Cholera can be a life threatening illness.
How is it transmitted?
Cholera is caused by the ingestion of contaminated food or drink. Under-cooked or raw shellfish and fish have been identified as sources.
Travellers at increased risk for cholera include health care professionals working in infected areas and travellers visiting areas where health care is not readily available.
What is E. coli?
Escherichia coli (ETEC) E. coli is the most common cause of travellers’ diarrhea, and is most frequently associated with eating E. coli contaminated food.
How is it transmitted?
Recent outbreaks of E. coli suggest that transmission could occur through water and/or food in developing countries.
Who should NOT receive the vaccination?
- Immunization should not be given during any acute illness including illness with a fever.
- Allergy to any component of Dukoral vaccination (ask for vaccine contents).
- Immunocomprimsed persons may not obtain the expected immune response.
- Not recommended for pregnant women.
Special precautions:
- Food and drink should be avoided one hour before and one hour after vaccination.
What are the side-effects of the vaccine?
- Low-grade fever.
- A small percentage of clients also experience gastrointestinal upset.
Dosing schedule:
- 2 doses are needed at least 1 week apart before travel.
- 1 dose booster can be given within 5 years of the primary series .
Downloads:
- FACT_SHEET_Dukoral_07_2010.pdf [ 104.6 KB ]
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