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. 2018 Sep;5(3):303-315.
doi: 10.1007/s40471-018-0162-z. Epub 2018 Jul 27.

Cholera

William Davis  1 , Rupa Narra  1 , Eric D Mintz  1
Affiliations

Cholera

William Davis et al. Curr Epidemiol Rep. 2018 Sep.

Abstract

Purpose of review: This review describes the basic epidemiologic, clinical, and microbiologic aspects of cholera, highlights new developments within these areas, and presents strategies for applying currently available tools and knowledge more effectively.

Recent findings: From 1990 to 2016, the reported global burden of cholera fluctuated between 74,000 and 595,000 cases per year; however, modeling estimates suggest the real burden is between 1.3 and 4.0 million cases and 95,000 deaths yearly. In 2018, the World Health Assembly endorsed a new initiative to reduce cholera deaths by 90% and eliminate local cholera transmission in 20 countries by 2030. New tools, including localized GIS mapping, climate modeling, whole genome sequencing, oral vaccines, rapid diagnostic tests, and new applications of water, sanitation, and hygiene interventions, could support this goal. Challenges include a high proportion of fragile states among cholera-endemic countries, urbanization, climate change, and the need for cholera treatment guidelines for pregnant women and malnourished children.

Summary: Reducing cholera morbidity and mortality depends on real-time surveillance, outbreak detection and response; timely access to appropriate case management and cholera vaccines; and provision of safe water, sanitation, and hygiene.

Keywords: Cholera; Epidemiology; Vibrio cholerae.

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Conflict of interest statement

Conflict of Interest The authors declare that they have no conflict of interest.

Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Reported global cholera cases, deaths and case fatality ratios by year, 1990–2016
Fig. 2
Fig. 2
a Reported cholera cases by continent, 1990–2016. b Reported cholera deaths by continent, 1990–2016
Fig. 3
Fig. 3
Cholera-endemic countries and fragile situations
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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