The cholera epidemic in the coastal areas of the Thiruvananthapuram and adjoining districts in Kerala has been found to be caused by a strain of pathogen that is known for its potential for an extended carrier state in the victims. Carrier victims of the cholera-causing pathogen can trigger sub-seasonal outbreaks in the coastal community through the foecal-oral transmission route of the disease, according to Health Department sources. It is for the second time that the strain has been responsible for cholera epidemic in coastal areas of Kerala.
Health officials point out that the epidemic cycle could last over a month due to poor environmental hygiene, lack of access to drinking water and risk-posing lifestyles of the coastal population. Bacteriological analysis of water samples indicated high contamination with coliforms.
Two more cases of cholera have been confirmed, taking the total number of positive cases to 25. While Devadas (32) is from Poonthura, five-year-old Geethu is from Kottukal. An estimated 75 patients were treated on an out-patient basis at various hospitals. Of the 20 patients who have been admitted for observation, five cases are at the SAT Hospital, three at the Thiruvananthapuram Medical College, two at General Hospital, three at the Pulluvila Health Centre and seven at the Poovar Health Centre. At least 27 inpatients were discharged from hospital. There are still 68 patients under treatment for acute diarrhoea at various hospitals in the district. The progressive total of in-patients treated for diarrheoal symptoms so far is 455 while the total number of outpatients has crossed 1,000.
As part of prevention measures, health squads undertook superchlorination of 1,935 wells. Cleanliness campaigns also centred on markets and door-to-door visits conducted to impart public health education messages.
The Health Department is planning to conduct a detailed study in the epidemic-prone coastal area in the district. The study would focus on environmental factors, host factors and the causative agents for the outbreak of cholera and other vector-borne diseases to prepare a prevention plan.