Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 5, 2026
09:39
Determination of Tolerable Fatty Acids and Cholera Toxin Concentrations Using Human Intestinal Epithelial Cells and BALB/c Mouse Macrophages
Published on: May 30, 2013
9.2K
High case fatality cholera outbreak in Western Kenya, August 2010
Dickens Onyango1, Shirley Karambu, Ahmed Abade
1Ministry of Public Health and Sanitation, Kenya ; Field epidemiology and laboratory management training program (FELTP), Kenya.
The Pan African Medical Journal
|November 19, 2013
Summary
A 2010 cholera outbreak in Kenya resulted in 114 cases and 10 deaths, with a high fatality rate among older adults. Prompt laboratory confirmation and improved outbreak management are crucial for future cholera control.
Area of Science:
- Epidemiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Public Health
Background:
- Cholera, caused by Vibrio cholera, remains a significant global public health concern.
- Kenya has experienced recurrent cholera outbreaks since its initial detection in 1971.
- A notable cholera outbreak occurred in August 2010, affecting Kuria West and Migori Districts.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the 2010 cholera outbreak in Kuria West and Migori Districts, Kenya.
- To determine the magnitude of the cholera epidemic.
- To identify key factors for implementing effective control measures.
Main Methods:
- A comprehensive review of hospital records was conducted.
- Active case searching in the community was performed between August 30 and September 6, 2010.
- Data analysis was performed using Epi-Info 3.5.2 software.
Main Results:
- The outbreak involved 114 cases and 10 deaths, yielding a Case Fatality Rate (CFR) of 9%.
- The highest CFR (16.7%) was observed in individuals aged 50 years and above.
- Laboratory confirmation of Vibrio cholera (serotype Inaba) was achieved two weeks after the onset of the outbreak.
Conclusions:
- The outbreak was characterized by a high case fatality rate and delayed laboratory confirmation.
- There is an urgent need to enhance district-level capacity in cholera case and outbreak management.
- Equipping the Migori District Hospital laboratory is essential for timely diagnostic confirmation.
Related Concept Videos
01:25Cholera
153
Cholera is an acute gastrointestinal disease caused by the Gram-negative bacterium Vibrio cholerae. It is transmitted primarily via the fecal-oral route through the ingestion of contaminated water or food.Vibrio cholerae is a motile, Gram-negative bacterium of the family Vibrionaceae, primarily associated with waterborne outbreaks in areas with inadequate sanitation. Although over 200 serogroups of V. cholerae exist, only O1 and O139 are responsible for epidemic cholera. The O1 serogroup,...
153
01:30Reservoir of Infection
103
Infectious diseases arise from intricate interactions between pathogens and their reservoirs. A reservoir of infection refers to the natural habitat where a pathogen lives, grows, and multiplies, serving as a continual source of infection. Reservoirs are broadly classified as either living or nonliving, and each plays a unique role in disease transmission, significantly influencing public health interventions and control strategies.Humans act as reservoirs for a wide array of pathogens,...
103
01:23Investigation of Disease Outbreaks
77
Multistate foodborne outbreaks pose significant public health risks and require meticulous investigation to identify sources and implement control measures. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) utilizes a dynamic seven-step process for these investigations, integrating data from laboratories, interviews, and environmental assessments to protect public health.Outbreak Detection: The detection of multistate outbreaks typically begins with PulseNet, the CDC's national laboratory...
77
01:18Bacterial Gastroenteritis
92
Bacterial gastroenteritis, characterized by diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and vomiting, is often caused by ingestion of contaminated food or water and is frequently associated with pathogenic Escherichia coli strains. These microbes exploit two principal mechanisms to inflict disease.Shiga toxin–producing E. coli, also referred to as STEC—notably O157:H7—release Shiga toxins that target ribosomes, blocking protein synthesis. The B subunit of the toxin binds the host glycolipid...
92
01:18Steps in Outbreak Investigation
780
In the ever-evolving field of public health, statistical analysis serves as a cornerstone for understanding and managing disease outbreaks. By leveraging various statistical tools, health professionals can predict potential outbreaks, analyze ongoing situations, and devise effective responses to mitigate impact. For that to happen, there are a few possible stages of the analysis:
780
01:28Infectious Diseases and Their Occurrence
97
Infectious diseases appear in populations through various transmission patterns, influenced by pathogen characteristics, population immunity, environmental conditions, and social behavior. Understanding these patterns is essential for effective public health surveillance and intervention. These categories—sporadic, outbreak, epidemic, pandemic, and endemic—help frame the nature and scope of disease events.Sporadic diseases occur irregularly and infrequently, without a predictable...
97