The Travel Doctor
Traveller's medical & vaccination centre
Health Alerts
Travel Doctor TMVC provides the latest health and travel alerts, including updates from the Department of Foreign Affairs.
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Cholera reported in PNG for first time
Sunday, 6 September, 2009
According to a news report on the Australian Broadcasting Commission authorities in Papua New Guinea have confirmed cases of cholera in the northeast coastal province of Morobe. This is the first time cholera has been reported in the country. The situation is a little confusing as an outbreak of dysentery and many cases of a flu-like illness (probably seasonal influenza) have also been reported from the area – the Menyama district of Morobe province. World Health Organisation delegates are assisting the PNG government in the investigation of the outbreak(s).
It is uncertain as to how cholera entered the country but in areas where safe water supply and sanitation occur it can easily be spread. Travellers and expatriate workers must ensure that attention is paid to safe hygienic principles.
At this point in time vaccination against cholera with Dukoral is not routinely recommended. The Travel Doctor-TMVC will continue to closely monitor the situation and provide updates via our website.
