Warden message on Cholera Outbreak

Warden Message:  Togo Cholera Outbreak
U.S. Embassy – Lomé
December 30, 2008

This warden message is being issued to alert American citizens that health officials in Togo have reported a cholera outbreak.  The most affected areas are in the capitol city of Lomé, where 300 cases and 3 deaths have been reported.

Cholera is a potentially fatal bacterial infection that causes diarrhea and dehydration.  The disease is spread through untreated sewage and contaminated drinking water as well as food exposed to contaminated water such as shellfish.  Travelers to Togo are advised to drink boiled or bottled water and also to use boiled or bottled water in food preparation.  There is no cholera vaccine available in the U.S.

For additional information on cholera, please refer to the Centers for Disease Control website at http://www.cdc.gov/nczved/dfbmd/disease_listing/cholera_gi.html.  American citizens should also stay tuned to the local media for updates on cholera cases in Togo.  American citizens experiencing symptoms associated with cholera, such as severe diarrhea, should seek immediate medical attention.
We also strongly recommend that American citizens register their presence in Togo through our Consular Information Program. Travel registration is a free service provided by the U.S. Government to U.S. citizens who are traveling to, or living in, a foreign country.  Registration allows you to record information about your upcoming trip abroad that the Department of State can use to assist you in case of an emergency.  Americans residing abroad can also get routine information from the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate.  You may register online at https://travelregistration.state.gov/ibrs, or in person at the Embassy. 

Embassy hours for American Citizens Services are Monday through Thursday from 13:30 to 15:30. The Embassy is located at Boulevard Eyadema, B.P. 852, Lomé.  In case of an emergency, U.S. citizens may come to the Embassy’s consular section during any hours of operation or call the Embassy at 228-261-5470.  For routine visa, passport, notarial questions, etc., please e-mail Consularlome@state.gov  or visit http://togo.usembassy.gov/index.html.