[The first and unique epidemics of cholera in Chile (1886-1888)]

The first and only cholera epidemics in Chile took place between 1886 and 1888. It had originated in India in 1883, extended to Mecca and Alexandria, the Mediterranean, and reached Chile from Argentina. In spite of sanitary measures adopted by the government, the epidemics swept the country, with an estimated 56,838 patients and 23,395 dead (41% lethality rate). Two outburst were observed: the first lasted 203 days (1886-87), the second 121 days. Duration varied from town to town, from 16 to a maximum of 288 days.