An Explosive Cholera Outbreak In A Rural Community of Gujarat State

Abstract

Research Question : What are the epidemiological features of an el Tor biotype of V. cholerae outbreak? Objective : To describe the epidemiological features of a cholera outbreak. Design: Epidemic investigation. Setting : Rural area near Baroda city. Participants : Residents of the village hamlet. Results : The overall attack rate among 248 people was 13.3% and was highest (26.9%) in the 0-4 years age group. All the patients, except one who died at home, had to be hospitalized for treatment . V. Cholerae biotype el Tor serotype Inaba and phage type IV could be isolated from 62.5% of the cases. Some pathogens could be isolated in pure culture from the open well water which was the only source of drinking water for the hamlet.