CHOLERA - ITS STORY IN AFRICA WITH SPECIAL REFERENCE TO KENYA AND OTHER EAST-AFRICAN COUNTRIES

Cholera is an acute, often fatal infection whose aetiology, epidemiolo gy, clinical presentation, management, prevention and control are well understood. However, the disease has recently re-emerged as a serious microbial threat due to environmental pressures, increased internatio nal travel, population migrations and the emergence of new strains of ''old'' pathogens. This paper emphasizes, the significance of putting into place quick surveillance methods backed by laboratory services an d the importance of creating a rapid response capacity and mechanics t o outbreaks.