Cholera in Angola (Uige Province)
10 Jan 2018
On 7 January 2018, media quoting the Department of Health 
(in Portuguese) in Uige Province report 250 cases of cholera, including 8 deaths since 21 December 2017.
Cholera treatment centres have been set up in Uige and Candombe Velho. Medical care is being provided by the Angolan Armed Forces, the National Police, the Ministry of Health and Médecins Sans Frontières. Drinking water is being transported to the affected areas in order to limit the number of nuew cases. The affected neighborhoods of Uige are Orlando Fonseca, Gai and Candombe Novo.
Advice to Travellers
Prevention is focused on ensuring safe water and food, particularly in countries where cholera is more common or where outbreaks occur (see individual country record). Food and drink to be wary of include untreated water, ice, shellfish, salads, unwashed fruit and vegetables.
Good personal hygiene is essential. Individuals should ensure that they wash their hands frequently, prior to eating and after visiting the bathroom.
A vaccine is available to protect against cholera but as the risk to most travellers is very low, it is only recommended in the following circumstances:
- Volunteers/aid workers/medical personnel in disaster relief situations where cholera outbreaks likely.
- Those travelling to work in slums/refugee camps, areas affected by natural disasters, or countries experiencing cholera outbreaks and where care with food and water is difficult or not possible.
For further information see Cholera