Top Destinations Where Cholera Is Still a Risk in 2025

Chelsea Green Pharmacy

Planning a trip abroad this year? Whether you’re heading to a bustling city in South Asia, a tropical island in the Caribbean, or a remote village in sub-Saharan Africa, travel can be one of life’s most enriching experiences. But it’s important to remember that some destinations still pose a risk for serious waterborne diseases — cholera being one of them.

At Chelsea Green Pharmacy Travel Clinic, we help travellers prepare for every part of their journey, including protecting their health with the cholera vaccine, where recommended. In this blog, we’ll outline the top destinations where cholera remains a concern in 2025, along with practical tips to help you stay safe abroad.

What Is Cholera?

Cholera is a bacterial infection caused by ingesting food or water contaminated with Vibrio cholerae. It can lead to severe diarrhoea, vomiting, and dehydration — and without prompt treatment, it can be life-threatening. Outbreaks often occur in areas with poor sanitation, limited access to clean drinking water, and during humanitarian crises.

The good news is that cholera is largely preventable with the right precautions — and in many cases, the cholera vaccine can offer additional protection when travelling to high-risk regions.

Why do I need my cholera vaccine?

High-Risk Destinations for Cholera in 2025

The following countries and regions continue to report cholera cases or active outbreaks. If you’re travelling to any of these areas, we strongly recommend booking a travel health consultation with us to discuss vaccination and prevention strategies.

1. Sub-Saharan Africa

Many countries across Africa continue to experience sporadic or seasonal cholera outbreaks. These often occur during the rainy season or following natural disasters.

Countries to watch in 2025:

  • Nigeria

  • Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC)

  • Ethiopia

  • Mozambique

  • Malawi

  • Cameroon

  • Somalia

  • Zambia

Travel tips for Africa:

  • Stick to bottled or boiled water

  • Avoid raw fruits and vegetables unless you’ve peeled them yourself

  • Carry oral rehydration salts in your travel health kit

  • Consider the cholera vaccine if travelling to rural areas or regions experiencing outbreaks

2. South Asia

Parts of South Asia continue to struggle with cholera, particularly in crowded urban areas with overburdened sanitation systems.

Countries of concern:

  • Bangladesh

  • India (especially West Bengal and Bihar)

  • Nepal (particularly following monsoon floods)

  • Pakistan

Travel tips for South Asia:

  • Avoid street food in high-risk areas

  • Use bottled water for brushing teeth and making ice

  • Hand hygiene is essential — pack hand sanitiser and wash regularly

  • The cholera vaccine is recommended for long stays, rural visits, or during outbreaks

3. Southeast Asia

Cholera remains endemic in parts of Southeast Asia, particularly following floods or cyclones.

Watchlist countries:

  • Myanmar

  • Cambodia

  • Indonesia (especially rural islands)

  • Philippines

  • Vietnam

Travel tips:

  • Choose cooked, piping-hot meals

  • Be wary of tap water and locally made ice

  • Ask about water safety at homestays or remote lodges

  • If your trip involves trekking, volunteering, or extended rural stays, consider the cholera vaccine

4. Caribbean and Central America

Although less frequent than in Asia or Africa, cholera cases do occasionally appear in the Caribbean — particularly following hurricanes or in areas with disrupted water supplies.

Notable countries:

  • Haiti (previous outbreaks and ongoing risk)

  • Dominican Republic

  • Cuba (sporadic cases reported)

Travel tips for the Caribbean:

  • Pack water purification tablets

  • Drink only sealed bottled water

  • Avoid salads and unpasteurised dairy in remote areas

  • Consider the vaccine if you’re travelling to Haiti or rural Dominican Republic

Travelling to the Caribbean? Get your cholera vaccine.

Do I Need the Cholera Vaccine?

The cholera vaccine (such as Dukoral) is taken orally and offers protection against cholera for up to two years in adults. It is especially recommended if you are:

  • Travelling to areas with poor sanitation or recent outbreaks

  • Visiting friends or relatives in high-risk countries

  • Volunteering, working in healthcare, or undertaking humanitarian work

  • Going to remote areas where medical help may be hard to reach

The vaccine requires two doses, taken at least one week apart, and must be completed at least one week before travel for full protection.

Protect Your Health Before You Travel

At Chelsea Green Pharmacy, we offer personalised travel health consultations and the cholera vaccine for eligible travellers. Our expert team will assess your destination, travel plans, and medical history to help you make the best decision for your journey.

Don’t leave it too late — some vaccines require multiple doses or time to become effective. We recommend booking your travel vaccine appointment at least 4–6 weeks before departure.

Book Your Travel Health Appointment Today

Whether you’re heading to Dhaka, Port-au-Prince, or a rural part of Nigeria, Chelsea Green Pharmacy is here to help you travel safely and confidently.

Contact us now to arrange your cholera vaccine appointment and get expert advice on staying healthy wherever you’re headed.

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