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Cholera in Mexico

17 Oct 2013

Between 9 September-10 October 2013, the Ministry of Health reported 159 confirmed cases of cholera, including one death. Of the confirmed cases, 2 are from the Federal District, 145 from the state of Hidalgo, 9 from the state of Mexico, 1 from the state of San Luis Potosi, and 2 are from the state of Veracruz.  Investigation into the outbreak indicates that the river water is the source of contamination in the state of Hidalgo.

The health authorities of Mexico continue to implement actions to ensure access to drinking water and basic sanitation at the community level. This is the first local transmission of cholera recorded since the 1991-2001 cholera epidemic in Mexico.

Advice for Travellers

Cholera is a low risk for most travellers to the popular destinations of Mexico and vaccination would not normally be recommended.

Travellers to outbreak areas who will be mixing closely with the local population and cannot ensure safe drinking water can be immunised against cholera. A high standard of food, water and personal hygiene should also be maintained.