A Survey of a Cholera Epidemic in Aran va Bidgol City in Summer 2011

Abstractbackground and purpose: cholera is an endemic disease in iran and in some cases each yearfrom around the country report. the aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of thedisease cholera among people suffering from acute diarrhea in the aran va bidgol.materials and methods: in this study, patients with acute diarrhea were examined for choleradetection in the city of aran va bidgol in summer 2011. all 294 patients with acute diarrheareferred to rectal swabs in the laboratory of health centers and in the specific microbial culturemedium of thiosulfate citrate bile sucrose agar. furthermore, some information about healthbehaviors, such as drinking water supply, status of food preservation, toilets status, drinks, andfood consumption in the outdoors was collected from all participants in this study.results: laboratory results showed that vibrio cholerae isolated from 21 patient stool culturesand these patients were to have cholera disease. about 23.81% of the patients were male and76.19% were female. fifteen patients (71.43%) were nag form of cholera and 6 patients(28.57%) were diagnosed with eltor form of cholera. according the completed questionnaire bypatients the origin of v. cholerae has been announced consumption of raw vegetables (42.85%)and springs and subterranean water (38.59%).conclusion: consumption of raw vegetables and water (springs and subterranean) are theimportant factors for mobility to cholera and it should be more considered prevention andcontrol program and monitoring methods about using of safe water and food.