Post-flood visit at Patna, Bihar: In response to the concerns raised by the severe flood in Patna, visit was conducted as part of the central team during October 3-10, 2019 under the guidance of the Director RMRIMS. He briefed about the current situation of flood affected areas and about the work to be done by each member of the team. The team also met Hon'ble Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare, Govt. of India, who expressed his views and expectations from the team. The team visited several areas in Patna, many of which were still submerged under water. In many places Aedes vector breeding was noted and brought to the notice of concerned municipal health authorities and suggested appropriate measures. Water and food safety were also checked in the visited areas and recommendations were made as per needs.

Public Health Support After Extremely Severe Cyclone "Fani" In Odisha: An extremely severe cyclonic storm, Fani, struck coastal Odisha around Puri district on 3rd May, 2019. Following this, several scientists of ICMR-NICED took turn to be deployed in various affected areas of the State as part of the Central Public Health Team formed by the Directorate General of Health Services, Emergency Medical Relief Division, Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Govt. of India to assist the State Health Department. Dr. S. Kanungo (Epidemiologist) visited Bhubaneswar during May 3-6, Dr. R. K. Nandy (Microbiologist) was deployed in Puri district during May 8-21 2019, Dr. A. K. Mukhopadhyay (Microbiologist) was posted to Khordha District during May 8-22, while Dr. A. K. Chakraborty (Microbiologist) was stationed in Puri District during May 23-June 06, 2019. The teams visited the affected areas and did a rapid situation analysis, assessed the preparedness and needs of the local health facilities especially in terms of water and vector-borne diseases, trained several peripheral health staff and made recommendations as appropriate.
 

Kerala Post Flood Outbreak Investigation: Following a devastating flood that affected several districts of Kerala in the last week of August 2018, five scientists of ICMR-NICED (Drs. A.K. Deb, H. Koley, S, Basu, A. Chakrabarti and A. Sinha) were deployed in two phases (September 1-14 and Sep 15-30, 2019) by the EMR Division, DGHS, Govt. of India to assess public health situation including potential of any epidemic and prevention and control measures to be implemented in the flood-affected areas. The scientists formed part of three-member teams, consisting of a public health specialist, a microbiologist and an entomologist, that were deployed in the flood-hit districts, and were posted in Thrissur, Kasargod, Kannur, Idukki and Thriruvananthapuram districts of Kerala. Upon arrival at Thiruvananthapuram, all team members were briefed about the overall scenario and expectations from each team by officials from the Regional Directorate of Health Services. Thereafter, each team proceeded to the allocated district, where the members first held discussions with the District Medical Officer (DMO), District Programme Manager (DPM) and other health officials and laid down a detailed plan of action regarding scrutinizing IDSP daily data, detecting potential of any outbreak, looking for mosquito breeding activities, checking for stockpiling of essential drugs and chemicals as well as water safety and sanitation, especially for the most affected parts of respective districts. Many local people were also shifted to temporary shelters that were set up in local schools, community halls and religious places; the teams also visited some of these camps and assessed their health and other requirements. The teams also made daily reporting to the DMO and DPM at the end of each day and revised their further action plan whenever necessary. For example, in Thrissur district, an outbreak of leptospirosis was detected but was quickly brought under control through distribution of appropriate chemoprophylaxis to all people at risk by the local health authority. Further, on several occasions, the teams detected inadequate chlorination of drinking water that was available to local residents in some areas; this was promptly brought to the notice of the health authorities and appropriate measures were taken. Thus, the scientists played an important role to alleviate flood-related public health problems in several districts of Kerala.

Avian Influenza outbreak Investigation at Village Fajilkhutahari, Godda District, Jharkhand: A Central Public Health Team was deployed by Directorate General of Health Services, Emergency Medical Relief Division, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Govt. of India regarding Avian influenza outbreak control and containment at Village Fajilkhutahari, Godda District, Jharkhand during February 9-18, 2019. Dr. A. Chakrabarti took part in the team as a Microbiologist. During the investigation the team in association with State, District, Block and Field level health officials. Initially the team members were briefed by the State Headquarters and then moved to the affected areas as per the direction. They visited the affected areas, trained health personnels and conducted seminar on influenza. No human cases were detected and the situation was under control. Surveillance activity was scrutinized and a proper surveillance was suggested. Test laboratories were also visited and proper guidance was provided.
 

During the epidemic outbreaks (2017-18) microbial analysis and examination of samples of potable water sources, from different parts of West Bengal were analyzed and the results were reported to the Govt. agencies. It has been a routine activity of the environmental laboratory of the undersigned.

Water samples are received from different PHCs of N. 24 Parganas, Nadia and Hooghly, Howrah, Kolkata and its adjoining areas. Results have been conveyed to the respective agencies with a copy of the same to State Health secretariat, Govt. of West Bengal. During the period under report, 66 samples had been received from various sources of which 54 had been found to be culture positive positive (49 and 17 for the presence of faecal coliforms and V. cholerae) (Table).

TABLE: District wise distribution of the Outbreak Water Samples, their respective sources and organisms identified

 

Service provided by: Scientists of Bacteriology and Virology Division

On request from the State health referred samples from various State Govt. Hospitals were received and processed for diagnosis of dengue virus with the viral serotyping. All together around 12,000 odd samples have been screened and feedback results have been sent to the concerned department with intimation to the State Health Authority.

During the epidemic outbreaks of diarrhea which spread across different southern districts of West Bengal, microbial analysis and examination of samples of potable water sources, from different parts of West Bengal and reporting of results to the Govt. agencies, has been a routine activity of the environmental laboratory.

Water samples had been received from different PHCs of N. 24 Pargana, Nadia and Hooghly, Howrah, Kolkata and its adjoining areas. Results have been conveyed to the respective agencies with a copy of the same to State Health secretariat, Govt. of West Bengal. During the period under report, 72 samples had been received from various sources of which 51 had been found to be positive for faecal coliforms and 27 for presence of V.cholerae (Table 1).

Table 1: District wise distribution of the Outbreak Water Samples, their respective sources and organisms identified

Member of team for outbreak investigation: A. Chakrabarti
As nominated by the Director, as per Order No Z.28020/1/2017-EMR/AP; Dated 20th February, 2017. Dr A. K Chakrabarti, visited Chittoor district on 24th Feb, 2017 to investigate Seasonal Influenza /H1N1 outbreak till 01/03/2017. He was a member of the central investigation team and investigated an outbreak of Seasonal Influenza (H1N1) in Chittoor District Andhra Pradesh, India from Feb 24 to March 1, 2017. This visit was aimed to investigate the situation concerning the rising trend of the H1N1 in the state of Andhra Pradesh. The incidence of Influenza/H1N1 cases was investigated to detect the early warning signal and trend of Influenza /H1N1 cases. Health care delivery system of the district was assessed for detection and management of Influenza/H1N1 cases and technical support provided to prevent and control it.

Visited all the possible sites including District, Municipal and regional hospitals, medical colleges around the district and finally reported to DMHO, Chittoor District and Secretary, State health department of Andhra Pradesh at Vijayawada. This investigation was concluded with the report and recommendations in a meeting with State Health Secretary. Concerned authority of the state was suggested to take prophylactic measure.

An Outbreak of Foodborne infection caused by Shigella sonnei in West Bengal, India
Members of outbreak investigation team: F. Debnath, A. Mukhopadhyay, S. Dutta, G. Choudhury, R. Narayan Saha & Field support staff of Epidemiology division.

A total of 19 cases with acute gastroenteritis (AGE) from Pakapol village of Bhangore II block, South 24 Parganas, West Bengal were admitted to the Infectious Disease & Beliaghata General Hospital, Kolkata after having food at a housewarming party. An epidemiological and microbiological investigation was carried out by NICED team to confirm the occurrence of foodborne outbreak; to describe it in terms of time, place and person; to determine the cause of outbreak; to recommend control measures.

We carried out a retrospective cohort study among the party attendees. We collected information by using institutionally developed AGE case search format. Stool specimens from twelve case patients were processed for isolation and identification of enteric pathogens by following standard methods.

Thirty-four people attended the party on 23rd November 2016 and had lunch together. Median incubation period for development of AGE cases from time of food consumption was 18.5 hours (IQR, 16.5 -22 hours). Overall attack rate was 73% (25/34), of which 76% (19/25) required hospitalization. All age groups were affected with 100% recovery rate. One served food item was significantly associated with the illness: tomato salad (RR = 4.14; 95% CI = 1.21-14.13). Eight stool specimens (67%; 8/12) were tested positive for Shigella sonnei. PFGE analysis showed that the recent outbreak Shigella sonnei strains were clonally related with the locally circulating strains in Kolkata.

We confirmed that the food borne outbreak was caused by Shigella sonnei and leftover raw tomatoes kept unrefrigerated might be implicated as the source of this outbreak.
 

Fig 1: Distribution of Acute Gastroenteritis Cases, food borne outbreak, Pakapol Village, Bhangore II, South 24 Parganas, West Bengal, India, 23rd - 25th November 2016

ICMR - NICED team visiting the affected family, Pakapol Village, Bhangore II block, South 24 Parganas, November, 2016

 

Dengue fever outbreak investigation in Baranagar Municipal area, 2016
Members of outbreak investigation team: F. Debnath & field staff of Epidemiology division

During second week of August 2016, ICMR - National Institute of Cholera & Enteric Diseases, Kolkata was requested by North 24 Parganas District Health authority to carry out an epidemiological investigation at Baranagar Municipality in response to reporting of increased number of fever cases. As a response, ICMR-NICED carried out a thorough epidemiological investigation obtaining three approaches: 1) record review from local health authority 2) Door to door case search in ward no. 1 3) Case search at in/out patient department of Baranagar State General Hospital and confirmed existence of dengue fever outbreak at Baranagar Municipal area which is adjacent to Kolkata by comparing the monthly attack rate of dengue during that period to the previous three years. The outbreak started in the last week of July 2016 and continued till second week of December ,2016 (Fig 2). Total 1660 confirmed dengue cases (Over all attack rate = 7 per 1000) and two deaths (case fatality = 1 per 1000) were reported in this outbreak. ICMR - NICED, tested 212 blood specimens from probable dengue case patients of that area for confirmation through NS1 ELISA/MAC ELISA test and 163 blood specimens turned out to be dengue cases. Out of these 163 dengue cases, serotyping was done for 63 cases and DEN 1 (65%,41/63) was the major circulating serotype.

Fig 2: Distribution of dengue cases, Baranagar Municipality, July - December 2016

During training of the health workers of Baranagar Municipality before starting house to house active case search for dengue fever

 

NICED participation in National Task Force (NTF) programme on Laboratory Containment of Wild Polio Viruses

This institute primarily works on bacterial, viral and parasitic pathogens isolated from stool specimens collected from diarrheal patients. Institute conducts vaccine trials linking epidemiological findings with
laboratory based analysis in the area of bacteriology, virology, parasitology, immunology, molecular biology and clinical medicine. To maintain aforementioned activities, a large number of stool specimens and/ or water samples from diarrheal outbreak affected areas are being collected and stored in the freezer(s) before being analyzed at NICED laboratories. In addition, this Institute works on Influenza virus infected specimens as and when requested by the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, State or Central Government. Aforementioned all specimens as collected for research/ diagnostic activities have been categorized under potentially Polio risk materials by the National Task Force (NTF) from the point of view of Laboratory Containment of Wild Polio Viruses.

NICED actively participated in the national programme on Laboratory Containment of Wild Polio Viruses in India since its inception in 2012. Considering potential risk from the standpoint of laboratory containment of wild polio viruses special attention has been attributed for non-storage and destruction of clinical specimens like stools, water samples, and nasopharyngeal swabs and these are to comply with Phase II activity under the NTF guidelines and Global Action Plan (GAP) III protocol (2014). Institutional 'Risk Assessment and Risk Management Committee for Containment of Wild Polio P2 Virus' was formed on August 3, 2015. Since then this Institute periodically submitted containment action reports to National Coordinator, NTF. All these activities are to comply with guidelines of 'Global Polio Eradication and the Endgame Strategic Plan (PEESP) (2013-2018)'. In addition, NICED jointly with NTF, hosted a meeting on August 14, 2015 for sensitization on the importance of PEESP and this meeting was attended by several senior scientists/ head of divisions from Institutes/ Universities who are working with potentially Polio infected materials. Finally, a certification stating that NICED is not storing any potentially Polio infected materials in the freezers have been issued in April 2016.

A. Palit
Outbreak investigations (2015-16) by the Environmental Microbiology Laboratory During the epidemic outbreaks (2015-16) of diarrhea spreading across different southern districts of West Bengal, microbial analysis and examination of samples of potable water sources, from different parts of West Bengal and reporting of results to the Govt. agencies, has been a routine activity of the environmental laboratory of our environmental laboratory.

Water samples were received from different PHCs of N. 24 Parganas, Nadia and Hooghly, Howrah, Kolkata and its adjoining areas. Results have been reported to the respective agencies with a copy of the same to State Health Secretariat, Govt. of West Bengal. During the period under report, 74 samples had been received from various sources of which 51 had been found to be positive for faecal coliforms and 27 for presence of V. cholerae (Table 1).

(Table 1) District-wise distribution of the Outbreak Water Samples, their respective sources and identification of V. cholera

 

K. Sarkar
A proposal on 'Mosquito-borne surveillance to forecast any Dengue outbreak & its control at New Town City' was submitted to the New Town Development Authority for necessary funding. The proposal is accepted by the New Town Development Authority in principle and possibility of funding is being reviewed.

Alok Deb
Investigated an outbreak along with Dr Shanta Dutta of foodborne diarrheal illness that occurred in Sashan block of 24-Parganas (North) following consumption of offerings devoted to the idol in a local temple during March 1-5, 2016. More than 1000 people of different age groups, who were mostly from a particular village and consumed the offerings made to the God in a local temple, fell sick with diarrhea and vomiting within a few hours of its consumption. Some of them also presented with mild fever and headache. Around 300 people were admitted in the I.D. & B.G. Hospital, Beliaghata from whom relevant information and stool specimens were collected from 30 patients. A sample of the food distributed among the affected devotees was also received and tested.

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Assessment of the Post-Flood Public Health Situation in Baramulla District, Kashmir during October, 2014 by NICED Scientists

The district Baramulla, located on the north-west of Srinagar, was affected by the flood later - mostly due to overflown water that submerged and created havoc to Srinagar, and in some areas due to flashfloods from heavy rainfall. The flood water also lasted only for a few days without stagnation in the affected areas.

About 16% of the villages in the district were affected by the flood. However, most of these villages were affected mild-to-moderately; some villages in a few blocks were severely affected and required special attention. These flood hit areas were already visited by one or the other EMR teams and the district health system also responded very quickly and efficiently so that the health situations even in the hard-hit areas were never beyond control.

Except for an increase in number of dermatitis cases (following contacts with polluted flood water) in some areas and an increase of road traffic accident cases noted in the district hospital, there have been no outbreak of diseases so far in the district following the flood and at present there does not seem to have an imminent threat of any major outbreak in the flood-hit areas of the district.

As far as diarrheal diseases are concerned, there was no increase in such cases since the flood - rather the number of cases in most areas showed a gradual decrease. This was possibly due to the effect of several factors - no stagnation of water, persistent use of tanker water, boiled water or water treated with chlorine tablets at household levels, as well as ensuing winter season that could negatively affect occurrence of diarrheal diseases. The other major water source to the affected areas that were being supplied through the PHE department was recently checked for adequacy of chlorination and coliform count (MPN), and as per CMO of the district, was found suitable for human consumption. Thus, there was no report of any diarrheal outbreak in any part of the district and there seemed to be no threat for any imminent outbreak of such diseases either. However, one sporadic diarrhoeal sample collected from Archanderhama of Pattan was psotive for multidrug resistant Entero pathogenic E. coli. So, continuous vigil in this regard should be maintained.

 

Temporary shelters for homeless people in village Bala, Kashmir

Inspection of allocated isolation facilities for Ebola Virus Disease Outbreak by NICED Scientists during November 2014

A visit was made to STNM Hospital, Gangtok on 23 Nov 2014 by the following two members Central Team to inspect the allocated isolation facilities for Ebola Virus Disease (EVD): (Dr. Satyajit Sen, Regional Director Kolkata, Regional office of Health & FW, GOI and Dr. Shanta Dutta, Scientist F, NICED (ICMR). As per Govt. Order D.28015/4/2014/EMR/Pt from M/o Health and Family Welfare, Govt. of India, DGHS, EMR dated 21 Nov 2014, the team members started their onward journey to Gangtok, Sikkim on 23 Nov 2014. Immediately after arrival the members started visiting the different units of the Hospital e,g, Emergency, Outdoor, laboratory etc. They also inspected the under construction isolation facility of the hospital for checking the level of preparedness for EVD. The major points have been covered in the completed checklist provided by the EMR, DGHS, M/O Health and FW. Briefly, STNM Hospital has allocated one area for the isolation facilities, which may not be the ideal for construction of such unit. As per Medical Superintendent, STNM Hospital, there is acute shortage of space/ land to build such unit. The current unit has been located at least 50 meters higher up than the general hospital, and stone curved stairs need to be used for transportation of EVD patients. The unit is within the hospital campus, but attached to many other Dept. of the hospital like Cancer Registry Unit, IDD cell and Diet Stores.

During the epidemic outbreaks (2012-13) of diarrhea spreading across different southern districts of West Bengal, microbial analysis and examination of samples of potable water sources, from different parts of West Bengal and reporting of results to the Govt. agencies, has been a routine activity of the environmental laboratory. Water samples had been received from different PHCs of N. 24 Pargana, S. 24 Pargana, Murshidabad and Hooghly as well as from endemic and epidemic affected Municipal wards under the Kolkata Municipal Corporation and its adjoining areas. Results have been conveyed to the respective agencies with a copy of the same to State Health secretariat, Govt. of West Bengal. During the period under report, 45 samples had been received from various sources of which 20 had been found to be positive for faecal coliforms and 12 for presence of V. cholerae O1 (Table 1).

Analysis of Water/ Environmental Samples

Water and Environmental samples

During the focal diarrheal/cholera outbreaks (2011-12) in different southern districts of West Bengal, microbial analysis and examination of samples of potable water sources, from different districts of West Bengal as well as Municipal wards under Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) and reporting of results to the Govt. agencies, has been a routine activity of the environmental laboratory.

Water samples had been received from different PHCs of N. 24 Parganas, S. 24 Parganas, Hooghly and Kolkata as well as from endemic and epidemic affected Municipal wards under the Kolkata Municipal Corporation and its adjoining areas. During the period under report, 47 samples had been received from various sources of which 39 had been found to be positive for fecal col iforms and 8 for presence of V. cholerae (Table 1).

Analysis of Water/ Environmental Samples

Report of investigation of a cholera outbreak in Gujarat by team from National Institute of Cholera and Enteric Diseases, Kolkata, team from 31m May-2" June 2010

Acute Castro Enteritis (AGE) cases were reported since 23'd May from different villages of a block in Gujarat.

The week from 22nd May was marriage season during which time, there was large movements of groups of people from one village to another to attend the marriages. Most of the cases reported having attended one or other marriage ceremony. On returning to their homes, they fell ill and then spread the diseases to other members of the family. The temperatures had soared upto 48°C and there was acute scarcity of water. Since large amounts of water are required during the marriage ceremonies, water was bought in tankers from 2 open wells in Jhalod town. The wells are privately owned wells. The wells were visited by the team and were observed to be in dire state. The inside linings of the wells were not continuous with gaps in the walls where trees and other fungi and algae had grown. The water was obviously contaminated and the municipal authorities had instructed the owners to chlorinate the wells. In spite of these instructions, there was no residual chlorine in the well waters when the team tested the water with chloroscope. Instructions had also been given to chlorinate the water in the tankers but these also showed negative results for residual chlorine. Considering that the causative organism had been identified to be Vibrio cholerae, (transmitted through water), the cases mostly presented with acute watery diarrhoea with severe dehydration and the contaminated water source, it is highly suggestive of a water borne outbreak (rather than food poisoning as suspected initially). The team visited the several affected villages and interviewed some family members of diarrhoea cases. As expected, most cases reported having attended a marriage ceremony. Interestingly, there were two ladies who had attended different marriages and had only taken water but no food. They also had diarrhoea a nd stool was positive for Vibrio cholerae. This probably clinched the issue of water borne outbreak.

Laboratory report

Of 98 samples collected, 32 samples were positive for Vibrio cholerae. Antimicrobial susceptibility pattern was also tested. Of the 84 water samples sent for testing (collected from different sources of water), 50 were declared microbiologically unfit for drinking.

Recommendations advised

Most important recommendation was regular chlorination of wells and tankers supplying water to the community with routine monitoring with chloroscope for residual chlorine both at source and at the users' end.

Investigation of outbreaks of Acute Diarrhoeal Diseases (ADD)/Cholera in Rayagada and Kalahandi districts, Orissa,17-21 September 2010

At the request of the Director, Emergency Medical Relief, (EMR), Govt. of India, a team of NICER scientists went to Orissa to assist the state/ district health authorities in the investigation and control of outbreaks of acute diarrhoeal diseases (ADD)/ cholera in Rayagada and other districts of Orissa along with other experts from NCDC, New Delhi. The team visited the affected areas of Rayagada and Kalahandi districts along with senior officers from the Directorate of Health Services, Orissa and district officials during the period from 17 to 21 September, 2010.

Observations

A total of 1930 cases and 41 deaths were reported from district Rayagada in 2010 (upto 21 September). These cases occurred in 420 villages in 93 GPs of 8 Blocks. Rayagada district has reported the maximum number of cases and deaths in the state due to severe diarrhoea in 2010 (Tables 1,2)

Eight of 11 Blocks in Rayagada reported cases of severe diarrhoea in 2010. The worst affected blocks are Kalayansinghpur (704 cases, 8 deaths), Kashipur (365 cases, 10 deaths), Bisamacuttack (318 cases, 11 deaths), Jemadeipentha (269 cases, 2 deaths), Gudari (74 cases, 6 deaths) and Jagannathpur (85 cases, 4 deaths)

Analysis of 41 deaths in district Rayagada revealed that 10 deaths occurred in 6 villages of three sub-centres in Kashipur Block (including 4 deaths in village Bahardulki), 8 deaths occurred in 6 villages of two sub-centres in Ksinghpur block (including 2 deaths each in village Lekapai and Ksinghpur), and 11 deaths occurred in 6 villages of three sub-centres of Bisamacuttack block (including 4 deaths in village Gadaba, 2 deaths in village Goilkana). Thus multiple deaths occurred in some very small villages. Virtually all deaths occurred in homes (Table 1).

People were not aware of ORS, where is it available in the village and when and how to use it. Halogens tablets have been distributed in the affected areas, but most in the remote rural areas do not seem to use them in the absence of a strong IEC campaign.

Month-wise Cases and Deaths due to severe diarrhoea in Rayagada district, Orissa, 2010 (up to 21st Sept)

 

Cases of Severe diarrhoea indistrict Rayagada by age and sex, 2010

 

Deaths due to Severe diarrohea in district Rayagada by age and sex, 2010 (upto 21st Sept)

 

Analysis of age distribution of the deaths in Rayagada revealed that only 4.9% deaths occurred in under-five children and 78% deaths occurred in persons 15 years and above. Deaths in adults following dehydration usually indicate cholera. Male contributed to about 37% of deaths, the remaining 63% deaths occurred in females.

Clinical observations

The main presenting symptoms in outbreak associated cases are profuse painless watery diarrhoea, with or without vomiting, followed by dehydration. All these cases are managed with intravenous fluids (Ringer Lactate) and antibiotics like Norfloxacin, Ciprofloxacin, Ofloxacin and Tinidazole. None of them had received ORS at home; similarly none was given ORS solution in the treatment centre when they were being administered intravenous fluids.

Laboratory observations

During August-September 2010, 20 rectal swabs were sent to RMRC, Bhubaneswar from Rayagada district. 8 of 20 (40%) samples tested positive for cholera. The isolates were sensitive to Azithromycin, Norfloxacin, Ciprofloxacin, Chloramphenicol, Neomycin and Gentamycin. (later Ofloxacin and Doxycyclin were found to be sensitive), but were resistant to Ampicillin, Tetracycline, Nalidixicacid, Furazolidone, Streptomycin, Erythromycin, Co-trimoxazole. 14 water samples from various sources of Kashipur, Kalyansinghpur, Bisamacuttack and Gudari were also tested in RMRC, but there was no growth for Vibrio Cholerae.8 samples from district Kalahandi were also tested in RMRC Bhubaneswar during August-September 2010.5 of them (63%) were found to be positive for Vibrio cholerae 01 biotype Eltor Ogawa. 15 samples were tested in the laboratories of NICED, Kolkata. 11 of 15 samples (73%) tested positive (all Vibrio cholerae 01 El Tor Ogawa except one which was Inaba, from Kalahandi) All the 11 isolates were found to be sensitive to Tetracycline, Doxycycline, Ciprofoxacin, Norfolxacin, Ofloxacin, Erythromycin and Azithromycin; and were found to be resistant to Ampicillin, Cotrimoxazole, Furazolidine, and Nalidixic acid.

Conclusions

Clinical, epidemiological and laboratory investigations confirm the outbreak of cholera in Rayagada and Kalahandi. Although the State/District officials are making efforts to provide safe water, making the facilities available for treatment of cases and increasing awareness to improve personal and domestic hygiene to control cholera, remoteness of the affected areas and poor transport and communication facilities make the task difficult for early detection and treatment of cases which is necessary to prevent mortality.