Cholera gastroenteritis amongst children in Delhi

Cholera gastroenteritis amongst 3595 children under twelve years suffering from acute watery diarrhea was studied for a period of five years (1982-86). V. cholerae 01 could be isolated from 31.7% of total specimens studied. Distribution in different age groups out of total gastroenteritis cases was 7.5% in less than 2 years, 13.1% in 2-5 years and 11.1% in greater than 5-12 years. Out of total cholera cases (1141 isolate) 23.4% occurred in the age group less than 2 yrs., 41.4% in 2-5 yrs. and 35.1% in greater than 5-12 yrs. Infection occurred more often in males in all the age groups. Throughout the study, cholera was observed during summer monsoon season with Ogawa being predominant serotype.