Threatening reoccurring infection of Cholera in Kerbala Province

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 <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 sub-district 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.