Cholera, an intestinal infection caused by the bacterium Vibrio cholerae that has the potential to kill within hours, is still active in certain parts of the world where there is inadequate water treatment, poor sanitation, and insufficient hygiene.
To help protect residents from this disease, Cobb & Douglas Public Health (CDPH) has recently started carrying and administering the Vaxchora vaccine – a single dose, live oral drug that is the only cholera vaccine approved for use in the US, according to the manufacturer’s website.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately one in ten persons infected with cholera will have severe cholera, which in its early stages can include profuse watery diarrhea, vomiting, rapid heart rate, low blood pressure, thirst, muscle cramps, restlessness or irritability, loss of skin elasticity and dry mucous membranes. If left untreated, severe cholera can lead to shock and death within hours.
“Cholera is often considered a disease of the past, and because it is underestimated, it’s starting to make a comeback,” said Priti Kolhe, District Immunization Director, Cobb & Douglas Public Health. “Luckily, we have this new vaccine that will protect travelers from infection, and help save lives from preventable infections.”
The Vaxchora vaccine is now available only at the CDPH Travel Health Clinic in Marietta, located at 1650 County Services Parkway. To make an appointment for vaccination, please call 770-514-2485 Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Vaccination is recommended 10 days prior to traveling to a cholera-affected area.
For more information on cholera, visit https://www.cdc.gov/cholera/index.html.
About Cobb & Douglas Public Health
Cobb & Douglas Public Health, along with the Georgia Department of Public Health, has been committed to the mission of “Healthier Lives. Healthier Community.” since 1920. We are dedicated to improving our residents’ quality of life by tracking and preventing the spread of disease, promoting health and safety, providing exceptional medical services, and ensuring that our community is prepared for public health emergencies. For more information, visit www.cobbanddouglaspublichealth.org.