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Cholera outbreak hits Mexico
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The Ministry of Health in Mexico has reported 176 confirmed cases of infection with Vibrio cholerae O1 Ogawa toxigenic, including one death, according to a WHO press release.
The cases were reported since Sept. 9. The increased risked of diarrheal diseases is attributed to a hurricane and tropical storm that affected the region simultaneously, causing heavy rains, floods, landslides and internal displacement of populations.
Most of the patients (n=157) were from the state of Hidalgo. Among the remaining patients, two were from the Federal District, nine were from the state of Mexico, two were from the state of San Luis Potosi and six were from the state of Veracruz. The patients ranged in age from 3 months to 88 years. Fifty-seven of the patients were hospitalized.
According to WHO, this is the first local transmission of cholera since the 1991 to 2001 epidemic in Mexico, but the current strain is different from the strain that circulated at the time. The genetic profile of the strain obtained from the patients in this outbreak is 95% similar to a strain that is currently circulating in Haiti, Dominican Republic and Cuba.
Health authorities in Mexico are continuing their outbreak investigation and surveillance. Health professionals are being trained on the prevention, treatment and control of the diseases. There have been measures implemented to ensure access to clean drinking water and sanitation, and awareness campaigns are being carried out.
-Last updated 11/4/13.