CHOLERA IN EAST PAKISTAN FAMILIES, 1962-63. PAKISTAN-SEATO CHOLERA RESEARCH LABORATORY

Abstract

The families of 85 cholera patients hospitalized during 1962-63 in Dacca District, East Pakistan, were studied in order to determine the relationship between familial and individual characteristics and the spread of the disease. Details of the circumstances, personal characteristics and medical history of the family members were recorded, and daily visits were made over a two-week period by a team of physicians and sociologists. Secondary cases were observed in 33 of the 85 families. Secondary attack rates were higher among children than adults. Spread of cholera within these families was suggested by the distribution of intervals between primary and subsequent cases, by the relationship between lengthy home stay of index cases and increased numbers of secondary cases, and by the effect of family structure on secondary attack rates.