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Cholera outbreak in Delhi--1988.
K K Khanna1, A Dhanvijay, L W Riley
1National Institute of Communicable Diseases, Delhi.
The Journal of Communicable Diseases
|March 1, 1990
Summary
A 1988 Delhi cholera outbreak, caused by Vibrio cholerae Ogawa biotype ElTor, saw a 5-10 fold increase in cases, predominantly affecting children. A higher resistance to furazolidone suggests a new strain may have been introduced.
Area of Science:
- Epidemiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Microbiology
Background:
- Delhi experienced a significant cholera outbreak in July-August 1988.
- This outbreak saw a 5-10 fold increase in cases compared to previous years.
- The outbreak affected residents across all demographics.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the epidemiological and microbiological features of the 1988 Delhi cholera outbreak.
- To identify the causative agent and its characteristics.
- To investigate potential factors contributing to the outbreak's severity and spread.
Main Methods:
- Laboratory confirmation of 1824 cholera cases at I.D. Hospital, Delhi.
- Identification of the causative agent as Vibrio cholerae Ogawa biotype ElTor.
- Analysis of case distribution, age demographics, and antibiotic resistance patterns.
Main Results:
- The outbreak involved 1824 laboratory-confirmed cases.
- Vibrio cholerae Ogawa biotype ElTor was identified as the causative agent.
- Children under 15 years constituted approximately 74% of cases.
- Two zones, Shahdara and Civil Lines, reported nearly three-fourths of the total cases.
- A higher proportion of isolates resistant to furazolidone was observed compared to previous years.
Conclusions:
- The 1988 Delhi cholera outbreak was a significant public health event, primarily affecting children.
- The increased resistance to furazolidone suggests the introduction of a new Vibrio cholerae strain.
- Further investigation into the strain's characteristics and introduction is warranted.