Ongoing outbreak of cholera in Cuba, potential risk for European travellers

Epidemiological update:
Ongoing outbreak of cholera in Cuba, potential risk for European travellers
10 Jul 2012
ECDC

On 3 July the Cuban Ministry of Health confirmed an outbreak of cholera
in the south-western city of Manzanillo. It is the first time in almost
150 years that an outbreak of cholera is reported in the island. The
heavy rains and the high temperatures during the previous weeks have
likely influenced the occurrence of the disease. As of 3 July, 53 cases
of Vibrio cholerae, including three deaths, have been officially
confirmed.

Since 7 July, several media sources report a higher number of cases and
the disease has spread to other cities including the capital, Havana.

At this stage there is no information available about the outbreak
strain, nor of the origin of the outbreak.

According to the Ministry of Health in Cuba, control measures have been
implemented, including sampling and closure of contaminated private and
public wells, treatment of waste water, provision of chlorinated water
in the pipes of the affected areas, and public awareness is being raised
about the importance of good sanitary and hygiene practices.

ECDC is closely monitoring the cholera situation in Cuba and is working
in collaboration with the World Health Organization to assess the
potential risk for infection of European citizens travelling to Cuba. A
rapid risk assessment, primarily intended for public health
professionals, will shortly be published on the ECDC website.

Cholera is an acute diarrhoeal infection caused by the bacterium Vibrio
cholerae of serogroups O1 or O139. Consumption of contaminated water and
food results in infection. After a short incubation period of less than
five days, the typical symptoms might develop, characterised by vomiting
and watery ("rice water") diarrhoea. With timely treatment (mainly fluid
replacement), less than 1% of patients with symptoms die. The disease
has not been endemic in Europe for a long time, and thanks to high
hygiene standards the potential for imported cases to generate further
ones is very low.

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