Generic protocol for vaccine effectiveness post implementation of a reactive mass vaccination campaign with oral cholera vaccine

Overview

Cholera is an infection of the intestines caused by the bacterium vibrio cholerae. The infection is usually transmitted by consumption of contaminated food or water. In many cases, it can lead to severe watery diarrhea, dehydration and in extreme cases, death. Two safe and effective oral vaccines are currently recommended by the World Health Organization to reduce the risk of outbreaks of the disease in vulnerable populations, or can also serve to limit the spread of an existing outbreak. Consequently, mass vaccination campaigns will likely be carried out in many places where cholera is a risk. Vaccination campaigns can take place to prevent or quickly stop large outbreaks. Additional background on cholera and vaccines can be found in the World Health Organization website.