The El Tor cholera epidemic in Togo (West Africa) 1970-1972

The course of the El Tor cholera epidemic in Togo (November 1970 to January 1973) is reported. 561 cases were confirmed bacteriologically, but a total of about 1000 cases is estimated. Both sexes were affected equally. The disease mainly occurred in adults; 23% of the patients belonged to the age group of 30 to 39 years. A case fatality rate between 4 to 10% was stated which depended on the facilities of medical treatment. The outbreaks were generally characterized by a protracted propagation. The epidemic was limited to the southern parts of the country within the zone of equatorial climate. A season-related development was observed with a marked increase of the incidence in the dry season. The methods of laboratory diagnosis are described, and the measures of cholera control are reported.