Investigation of the Two Vibrio cholerae Cases in Southern Taiwan, 2016

DOI: 10.6525/TEB.201807_34(13).0002

Chin-Yu Chang, Mei-Man Hsu, Hui-Chen Lin, Min-Nan Hung, Chiou-Yueh You, Chao-Ching Chang

2018 Vol.34 NO.13

Correspondence Author: Chin-Yu Chang

  • Kaohsiung Pingtung Regional Center,Centers for Disease Control, Ministry of Health and Welfare, Taiwan

Abstract:

In July 2016, two indigenous cholera cases were identified in southern Taiwan. These two cases went to the different restaurants of the same franchise, and they both ate uncooked seafood. They were hospitalized due to vomiting, diarrhea and watery stools. Vibrio cholerae was isolated from the stool specimens. Toxigenic strains, serogroup O1 serotype Ogawa, were confirmed by Taiwan Centers for Disease Control. The health bureau conducted prevention measures and investigated the source of infection. All specimens from contacts and surroundings were negative for pathogens. The PFGE patterns of strains from two cases were indistinguishable, revealing the possibility of co-infection. The household environmental investigation and food exposure history are important for cholera outbreak investigation. The cooperation between various government departments promotes prevention works efficiently.