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Ask The Travel Doctor-TMVC

Q:Is there a current outbreak of cholera in Moscow? What preventative measures can I take against cholera?

 

A:  Cholera is not a disease of travellers, but rather a disease of local populations who have only access to contaminated water and no effective way of cleaning their water. Cholera has been present in Russia for many years, and every now and again small outbreaks occur. Moscow had several small events through the 1990s. There are no active reports currently of cholera in Moscow, and no cholera has been reported for several years. Generally it would be a spring and summertime problem. Moscow has however reported an increase in rabies of late.

For travellers, avoiding drinking unsafe water is usually all that is required, while a very effective vaccine can be obtained for people at high risk, such as health and aid workers.

Dr Tony

 

Disclaimer: Information provided in this health column is of a general nature & should not replace specific advice from your own personal Travel doctor-TMVC consultation.
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