Vietnam warns of cholera threat amid global outbreak affecting 31 countries

The Vietnam Administration of Disease Prevention (VADP) under the Ministry of Health released the alert on Sunday to provide updated information on the global cholera situation along with preventive recommendations.

Although Vietnam has not recorded any case in the past 12 years, VADP emphasized that the risk of cholera entering the country cannot be ruled out given ongoing outbreaks in multiple nations.

The agency noted that the disease could spread into Vietnam through the country’s extensive trade and tourism links with other parts of the world.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), from the beginning of 2025 until August 29, 409,222 cholera cases and 4,738 deaths were reported in 31 countries, with six nations recording a fatality rate above one percent.

While the total number of cases fell 20 percent compared with the same period last year, the number of deaths increased 46 percent.

WHO has described the global cholera situation as increasingly complex, with a high risk of further spread both within and between countries.

VADP highlighted that cholera is an infectious disease characterized by diarrhea, dehydration, and acute electrolyte imbalance, which can trigger large-scale outbreaks with high mortality rates.

The disease spreads through the digestive tract, primarily via contaminated food and water, and is caused by the bacterium Vibrio cholerae, commonly found in seafood.

About 75 percent of infected individuals show no symptoms but can still shed the bacteria into the environment for seven to 14 days.

Among those who develop symptoms, 80 percent experience mild to moderate illness, while 20 percent suffer severe dehydration.

The bacteria can survive for long periods in brackish water near river mouths or coastal areas and often inhabit plankton, algae, and aquatic animals such as shrimp, crabs, clams, and snails.

To prevent infection, the health ministry advised that anyone returning from countries or regions experiencing rising cholera cases should monitor their health for five days.

Those showing unusual symptoms are urged to seek medical attention promptly for examination, consultation, and timely treatment.

Citizens are encouraged to maintain proper personal hygiene, including regular handwashing with soap before handling food or eating and after using the toilet.

They should also keep their surroundings clean, control flies, cook food thoroughly, drink boiled water, and protect water sources.

People experiencing severe symptoms, such as vomiting and profuse diarrhea that can lead to serious dehydration and electrolyte imbalance, should seek medical care immediately and avoid self-treatment.

Travelers and business visitors to areas with a high cholera incidence are advised to actively monitor their health and report any symptoms to local health authorities.