Mexico reports 36 new cholera cases
Mexican health officials are reporting three dozen new cholera cases in Hidalgo state, according to a Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) Epidemiological Alert released Oct. 1.
Image/CIA
The alert specifies that the International Health Regulations (IHR) National Focal Point of Mexico reported 36 new confirmed cases of autochthonous infection with Vibrio cholerae O:1 Ogawa toxigenic in the state of Hidalgo.
With the additional confirmed cholera cases, the national total is now 46, including one death; with two of the cases in the Federal District and 44 in the state of Hidalgo.
The cases are 24 women and 22 men with ages ranging from 2 to 82 years old.
The Mexico health authorities continue to: strengthen epidemiological activities at the national level; ensure the availability of inputs and quality of care in medical units; implement actions to ensure access to drinking water and basic sanitation at the community level; and monitor and check the chlorine levels.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Cholera is an acute, diarrheal illness caused by infection of the intestine with the bacterium Vibrio cholerae.
An estimated 3-5 million cases and over 100,000 deaths occur each year around the world. The infection is often mild or without symptoms, but can sometimes be severe.
Approximately one in 20 (5%) infected persons will have severe disease characterized by profuse watery diarrhea, vomiting, and leg cramps. In these people, rapid loss of body fluids leads to dehydration and shock. Without treatment, death can occur within hours.
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[…] a follow up to a report earlier this month, the cholera outbreak in Mexico has increased significantly in the past week or so, according to […]