Epidemic cholera in Latin America

Article Abstract:

The first appearance of epidemic cholera in South America during the 20th century occurred in Peru during Jan 1991. Cholera is an infection of the intestinal tract that causes diarrhea, extreme fluid and electrolyte loss and dehydration. Factors that have contributed to the spread of cholera in South America include poor water and sewage treatment systems, contaminated food, and biological factors that predispose Latin Americans to cholera. Within Peru, cholera has been transmitted in unboiled water and contaminated food. Travelers have spread the disease from one country to another. The use of oral rehydration solution (ORS) in Peru kept fatalities down to less than 1%, and international coordination has been high. Vaccines to prevent cholera are under development, and the avoidance of contaminated food and beverages can reduce the spread of cholera. Prevention of cholera in the 1990s requires long-term upgrade and maintenance of water and sewage systems and coordination of public health agencies on the national and international levels.

Diseases, Latin Americans, Latin America

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Safe water treatment and storage in the home: a practical new strategy to prevent waterborne disease

Article Abstract:

People in developing countries may prevent waterborne diseases by disinfecting their drinking water at home and storing it in tightly covered, narrow-mouthed containers. Sodium and calcium hypochlorite are easy-to-use, safe, inexpensive, and effective chemical disinfectants. Other methods of water treatment using iodine and oxidants, floculation and acidification with aluminum potassium sulfate, and filtration through cloth or sand may be appropriate in some settings. Narrow-mouthed water storage vessels with tight-fitting lids and spigots prohibit the insertion of contaminated hands or utensils into the water. Water containers should be constructed of lightweight, durable materials and should hold an appropriate volume of water. Hygienic water-handling techniques should be illustrated on the outside of the container. Storage vessels equipped with these design features are affordable, costing between $4.60 and $7.25 each.

Health aspects, Prevention, Developing countries, Water, Water treatment, Drinking water, Storage, Waterborne infections

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Reported cholera in the United States, 1992-1994: a reflection of global changes in cholera epidemiology

Article Abstract:

The recent cholera epidemic in South America appears partly responsible for an increase in the number of cholera cases in the US. A review of all cases of cholera reported to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention between 1992-1994 revealed 160 cases. Only 136 cases were reported between 1965-1991. Almost half of the cases (75) occurred in passengers traveling by air from South America, where a cholera epidemic begin in Peru in 1991 and spread throughout the country. Ninety-six percent of those affected contracted the disease abroad. Sixty-two percent were non-US residents visiting the US.

Demographic aspects

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