[The epidemic situation re: cholera in the world: a morbidity analysis and trends]

The analysis of cholera morbidity throughout the world over the period of 1988-1992 indicates the existence of a tendency towards an increase in morbidity due to epidemic outbreaks in the countries of South and Central America and in Africa. Using the data of literature, attempts have been made to elicit the causes of the sudden appearance and spread of cholera in South America. The increase of cholera morbidity in Africa is associated with the activization of cholera in endemic foci and intensified migration caused by military conflicts in the countries of Central and East Africa. Cholera morbidity in Asia appears to be declining; however, large outbreaks of cholera, as well as diarrheal diseases clinically similar to cholera and caused by Vibrio cholerae non 01, serogroup 139, have been recorded. In Europe, including Russia, cholera outbreaks and sporadic cases, mainly imported, have been reported. The prognosis of cholera situation remain unfavorable due to the activization of epidemic processes and the constant risk of the infection being imported to any country of the world.