Cholera is an intestinal infection. Infections of travelers have become quite rare and, according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), limited to areas of India and Bangladesh.
Prevention includes washing your hands frequently, not drinking untreated water and avoiding eating undercooked fish, produce or grains.
There is no vaccine approved in the United States to prevent cholera. However, as of 2009, no country requires a cholera vaccination to enter.
Typhoid is a life-threatening bacterial illness, usually spread by drinking or eating contaminated water and food.
The CDC estimates that typhoid infects 22 million people per year and is involved in 200,000 deaths. Risk is highest for travelers to South and East Asia, the Caribbean and Central and South America.
The CDC recommends vaccination against typhoid for travelers planning on visiting high-risk areas, although vaccination doesn't offer total protection. Proper hygiene and caution about food and water is still recommended.
