Security Message for U.S. Citizens: Health Caution

Alert Message
United States Embassy Djibouti

September 8, 2016

The U.S. Embassy in Djibouti informs U.S. citizens of reports of an outbreak of an illness causing watery diarrhea, a possible indicator of cholera. While the presence of cholera in Djibouti has not been confirmed, U.S. Embassy personnel are prohibited from traveling to Obock for the next two weeks, except to conduct official government business or to transit the city.

  • Cholera is spread by consuming contaminated food or water. Exercise precautions to remain healthy:
    Wash your hands with soap and clean water
  • Clean fruits and vegetables carefully
  • Stay hydrated

Symptoms of cholera include profuse, watery diarrhea, often referred to as rice-water diarrhea. If you or a member of your family has symptoms of watery diarrhea, go to your nearest health care provider. If you have an infant who has watery diarrhea, continue to breastfeed.

Additional information on cholera can be found on the website for the Centers of Disease Control.