Threatening reoccurring infection of Cholera in Kerbala Province

Abstract

Objective: Regular Cholera outbreaks continue to happen across the globe affecting
both developed and under developed nations. 6 pandemics hit the continents and the
seventh yet to finish. Vibrio cholerae is the causative bacterium. Iraq is one of the
countries affected by cholera which claimed lives and impose a considerable strain
on public health resources.
Methods: 67 stool samples were collected across Kerbala province with cholera
like symptoms for the period from 1st of November 2017 till 30th of December 2017,
male and female from age groups of >1 year, 1-4 years, 5-14 years, 15-45 and less than 45
years of age.
Results: The study revealed that the number of cholera cases has progressed to be
significant over the past year with female predominance of 63%. The highest
incidence of disease was in the age group 15-45 and mainly among girls and young
women which reflect features of susceptibility that could relate to their gender roles
and health condition. The tendency of infection is much greater in highly populated
residential areas of the province at central Kerbala as represents more than half of
the total cases then decreased considerably to just 9 cases at Al- Jazeerha subdistrict
which located at the outer skirt of the City Centre. The study unveiled that
67% of the patients were using R.O. water supplied by local portable distributors for
drinking.
Conclusion: Prevalence of cholera remains high. Therefore, maintainable
enhancements in water and sanitation are still required as long-term solution
especially as Kerbala City is densely populated areas with limited resources. The
urgent need for continued monitoring and surveillance of water supplies is vital to
tackle a disease that continually causing humanitarian crisis.