Man and women clenching their stomachs feeling sick

DUKORAL® Materials Requisition

Written by: CDHF

Updated: September 1st, 2023

Enterotoxigenic E. coli (ETEC) diarrhea is one of the most common causes of diarrhea when travelling to many areas of the world.

ETEC produces two toxins, a heat-stable toxin (ST) and a heat-labile toxin (LT). Although different strains of ETEC can secrete either one or both of these toxins, the illness caused by each toxin is similar.

ETEC is an important cause of diarrhea in travellers to underdeveloped countries. It is transmitted by eating food or drinking water that is contaminated with enterotoxic strains of E. coli from human or animal feces.

98% of travellers have been shown to make a food or water mistake within the first 3 days of their vacation:

Drinking beverages with ice cubes or crushed ice
Brushing teeth with tap water
Consuming salads and uncooked vegetables
Eating fruits which cannot be peeled
Sampling local cuisine from street vendors

DUKORAL^® is a drinkable vaccine that helps prevent and protect against diarrhea caused by cholera and a particular strain of bacteria producing a heat-sensitive toxin called heat-labile toxin producing enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (LT-producing ETEC).

DUKORAL^® is used to help protect people who are travelling to an area where there is a risk of diarrhea caused by cholera and/or LT-producing ETEC. This vaccine may be given to adults and children 2 years of age and older.

There are multiple causes responsible for acute diarrhea in travellers. DUKORAL^® can only confer protection against diarrhea caused by cholera and LT-producing ETEC. Therefore, DUKORAL^®does not replace standard hygienic measures and food and water precautions.

Like any vaccines, DUKORAL^® may not protect 100% of people who receive it and may cause side effects. Talk to your doctor to see if DUKORAL^® is right for you.

To learn more, visit dukoralcanada.com

CDHF, in partnership with DUKORAL^®, have selected key informational resources.