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

Abstract Background and purpose: Cholera is an endemic disease in Iran and in some cases each year from around the country report. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of the disease 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 cholera detection in the city of Aran va Bidgol in summer 2011. All 294 patients with acute diarrhea referred to rectal swabs in the laboratory of health centers and in the specific microbial culture medium of thiosulfate citrate bile sucrose agar. Furthermore, some information about health behaviors, such as drinking water supply, status of food preservation, toilets status, drinks, and food consumption in the outdoors was collected from all participants in this study. Results: Laboratory results showed that Vibrio cholerae isolated from 21 patient stool cultures and these patients were to have cholera disease. About 23.81% of the patients were male and 76.19% 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 by patients 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 the important factors for mobility to cholera and it should be more considered prevention and control program and monitoring methods about using of safe water and food.