Cholera in Comoros

UNICEF reports continuing transmission of cholera in Comoros. From 2 February 2024 to 14 April 2024, there have been 1 484 cases of cholera, with 38 deaths.

All three islands of Comoros are reporting cases, with Anjouan worst affected. All of the country’s 17 health districts have reported cases. More than 40% of cases are children young people.

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.