Diarrheal Diseases Routine Microbiological Surveillance: An Answer to Recognize the Specific Diarrheal Outbreaks

Abstract

Context: Cholera is an acute diarrheal disease caused by V.Cholera 01(classical or El Tor). Cholera, including the El Tor biotype, may be under-recognized, and many outbreaks are simply recorded as ‘diarrhea outbreaks’. Epidemic investigation was conducted to ascertain the extent of problem, possible factors responsible for the occurrence and to institute preventive and control measures.

Methods and Material: A cross sectional descriptive study was planned and a preliminary house to house survey in the village was done to find more cases and then details using a pre-designed questionnaire were taken from those who were having diarrhoea. Comparison was done with the persons not affected with the disease. Sanitary survey was done along with an assessment of environmental findings.Epidemic curve was prepared and attack rate was calculated.

Results: Total 8 persons of varying age and both male and female were found to be ill because of acute gastroenteritis of which one was confirmed for cholera. The symptoms ranged from acute abdominal pain, diarrhoea, vomiting to malaise. The age ranged from 2.5 years to 56 years. The attack rate was 2.79/1000 population. The cases were sporadic and no such congregation of cases was found. Chlorination was not done properly. The chlorine level was 0.2ppm.Insanitation was there in the village.

Conclusions: Diarrhoeal diseases microbiological surveillance is must, as cholera cases go unnoticed and such situations can be a potential threat for resurgence of cholera epidemic, once the environment situations becomes conducive.