Epidemiological update: cholera in Mexico, 13 November 2013
On 13 November, WHO reported 4 additional cases of cholera in Mexico. Since the beginning of the outbreak in September 2013, Mexico has reported 180 confirmed cases of cholera caused by Vibrio cholerae O:1 Ogawa, including one death.
On 13 November, the World Health Organization reported 4 additional cases of cholera in Mexico. Since the beginning of the outbreak in September 2013, Mexico has reported 180 confirmed cases of cholera caused by Vibrio cholerae O:1 Ogawa, including one death.
Of the confirmed cases, two are residents of the Federal District, 159 are from the state of Hidalgo, nine are from the state of Mexico, two are from the state of San Luis Potosi and eight are from the state of Veracruz. Newly reported cases are from Hidalgo (2) and Veracruz (2). Of the total, 92 of the cases are female and 88 are male. Age of reported cases ranges from 3 months to 88 years old.
This is the first sustained autochthonous transmission of cholera in Mexico since the 1991-2001 endemic period. Genetic testing suggests this strain to be similar to the strain currently circulating in Haiti, Dominican Republic and Cuba.
Travellers to Mexico should be aware of preventative hygiene measures and the availability of an oral cholera vaccine and seek advice from travel medicine clinics prior to their departure. Physicians in the EU should consider the diagnosis of cholera in returning travellers from Mexico presenting with compatible symptoms. Upon diagnosis, notification to the relevant public health authorities is essential.
The overall risk for travellers is still considered low.
