According to the World Health Organization (WHO), 99 cases of cholera cases have been reported between July and the end of September in Pakistan. These cases were spread through the flood-hit provinces of Sindh, Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Pakistan also reported 26 cases of Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (3 deaths) as well as 1 500 confirmed cases of dengue fever.
The risk of water-borne diseases is very high in Pakistan since massive floods affected the country in July and August 2010. Cholera is an acute diarrheic disease transmitted among humans by drinking soiled water or by eating contaminated food. The disease can be easily treated with oral rehydration solution. With prompt rehydration, cholera is fatal in less than 1% of the cases.
Travellers must be aware that most western embassies warn their citizens against all travel to Pakistan. People travelling to Pakistan should respect the following recommendations: "Boil it, cook it, peel it, or forget it". Drink only boiled or treated water (with chlorine or iodine), avoid eating ice creams, sherbets, raw or undercooked dishes, especially meat or fish. Don't forget to peel fruits. If possible, order hot dishes. In order to minimize risks, it is recommended to wash hands thoroughly before meals; if clean water is not available you may use hand gel with more than 60% alcohol.
