How to avoid Cholera while visiting Uganda – Tips – Advice – Information
Protecting yourself from Cholera while on Safari Uganda
How to avoid Cholera while visiting Uganda – Cholera is an acute diarrheal illness caused by bacteria. The disease infects the small bowel and causes extreme watery diarrhea. It is known to infect only humans. It most often comes from consuming contaminated water or juices or unhygienic food preparation. Vomiting follows along with extreme hydration with an inability to retain fluid, and medical attention must be sought to avoid death.
Cholera is found throughout the world, particularly in countries where sanitation is poor. Where clean water is unavailable, such as in parts of Africa, including Uganda, where water has been infected with feces and unsanitary food-handling practices are not uncommon outside the Tourism Industry.
Cholera Outbreaks are frequent in this part of the world, especially in slums or refugee camps in Uganda. Neither is on your Safari Itinerary. Not one of our clients has ever contracted Cholera while on Safari. Lodges and Hotels we use go by better food handling and sanitary Standards.
As an international traveler to Uganda, you must know how to get Cholera. It is also vital to know what to do to avoid getting it and what to do if you develop a diarrheal illness. The most important way to prevent Cholera is to practice safe food and water precautions and frequent hand washing. Saniwipes alone will not be adequate.
The US CDC recommends that adults traveling to areas with active cholera transmission get vaccinated with a newly licensed cholera vaccine (Vaxchora, PaxVax Corporation). Vaxchora prevents severe diarrhea caused by the most common type of cholera bacteria. Talk to your doctor about the vaccination if you know you will travel to one of these areas.
How to avoid Cholera while visiting Uganda
Here are some tips to prevent Cholera and Typhoid while visiting Uganda:
1. Drink only bottled, boiled, or treated water. Do not drink tap water. Carbonated drinks and tea/coffee made with boiled water are generally safe.
2. Avoid ice made with untreated water or from drinks sold by street vendors. Bring your water bottle to refill with boiled or bottled water.
3. Avoid raw or undercooked foods. Eat only foods that are thoroughly cooked and still hot. Wash fruits and vegetables with clean water before eating.
4. Wash your hands frequently, especially before eating or preparing food. Use soap and bottled or treated water. Carry hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol when soap and water are unavailable.
5. Avoid street food unless you verify it has been properly prepared and handled. Most outbreaks have been linked to contaminated street food.
6. See a doctor immediately if you experience symptoms like diarrhea, vomiting, stomach cramps, fever, and dehydration. Cholera and typhoid can be treated with antibiotics if caught early. Rehydration is also crucial.
7. Get vaccinated against typhoid fever at least two weeks before your trip. The vaccine is recommended for travel to Uganda and provides some protection against severe disease.
I hope this helps! Staying vigilant about food, water, and hand washing is the most important thing you can do to help prevent Cholera or Typhoid while traveling in Uganda. Let me know if you have any other questions.
How to avoid Cholera while visiting Uganda. Suppose you are on a safari in Uganda, especially using a Tour Operator like ourselves and staying in Moderate and upmarket lodging. In that case, you most often receive food that will not make you ill. There are often reports in the media about a Cholera outbreak in Uganda. Most often, such attacks take place in weak, slum areas, and where piped water is not available, we do not visit slums as part of a tour for safety and health reason unless you want to see a particular charity, school, or clinic.
Most Tourists to Uganda will not come down with Cholera while visiting Uganda.
