The 1995-1996 cholera epidemics in Dakar (Senegal).

Cholera is still an important public health problem in Africa. During the y ears 1995 and 1996, a large outbreak of cholera occurred in many developing countries, particularly in West Africa. We report epidemiological and clin ical aspects of this outbreak in Senegal and suggest new recommendations in regard to public health. Nine hundred thirty-four patients were referred t o the Department of Infectious Diseases at Fann Hospital (Dakar) for choler a-like gastro-enteritis. Vibrio cholerae strains were isolated in 34.5% (32 3 patients) of the cases. The duration of the outbreak was 14 months, with an increased number of cases in both October 1995 and August 1996. Patients between 20-39 years of age were the most affected, Severe dehydration, som etimes accompanied by circulatory collapse was noted in 60% of the patients . Vibrio cholerae strains that were isolated belonged to serogroup O, 1 and subtype Ogawa. Ninety-six percent of these strains were resistant to cotri moxazole. The mortality rate was 5.2%. Poor hygiene and environmental condi tions as well as insufficient potable water supplies largely contributed to cholera outbreaks, making it an endemic disease in Senegal. (C) 1999 Elsev ier, Paris.