Outbreaks and Updates Travel Health

Vietnam Cholera Updates

Unfortunately, things in Vietnam are getting worse, in the cholera department. ProMed released a story today about several tourists becoming infected with cholera, in Ho Chi Minh city and Hanoi. The story comes from a chinese newspaper (translated in english).

Both cases involved eating at some “roadside” food stands and contact with raw food and the now infamous shrimp paste.

For travelers in the area beginning to have diarrheal symptoms, hydration is the most important thing you can do. See more about how to treat diarrheal illness here.

2 comments

  1. I do not think the recent cholera activity in Vietnam should cause much of a problem for your trip. Hopefully not! Here is a link to the British Foreign and Commonwealth Office: http://www.fco.gov.uk/servlet/Front?pagename=OpenMarket/Xcelerate/ShowPage&c=Page&cid=1007029390590&a=KCountryAdvice&aid=1013618386595 with some warning and cautions for the country.

    I think you are ahead on your trip planning and safety because you already know there is a recent outbreak and you can be prepared. Watch out for the road-side food stands and the shrimp paste that has been believed to be the cause. Also, it wouldn’t hurt to have some rehydration/electrolyte powder with you, in case of diarrhea. Common sense travel is also advised, such as hand-washing, staying away from places that look dirty and rehydrating early in the event of vomiting or diarrhea.

    The international Society of Travel Medicine (ISTM.org) has a list of medical providers in countries, around the world. Here is the contact for a physician in Hanoi:
    Mizuno, Yasutaka, MD, PhD, DTMH
    Embassy of Japan
    27 Lieu Giai, Ba Dinh
    Hanoi 9999
    Vietnam
    Telephone: [+84] (4) 726-3000; Fax: [+84] (4) 846-4124
    E-mail: mizunomd@hotmail.com
    Languages: Principal – Japanese; Other – English

    Best of luck on your trip and I am so jealous! Maybe when you get back, you can share a few pictures? Have a good trip and travel safe!

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