Investigation of food-borne cholera epidemic in Haiyan county, Zhejiang province

Objective　The study was conducted to investigate the cause of a food related cholera epidemic, provide the evidence for the effective control of the epidemic. Methods　Vibrio cholerae was identified according to GB 15984-1995 standard. Epidemiological survey was performed on the cases, bacteria carrier, diner-participants, close contacts, nearby people and outer environment, the risk factors of the food were analyzed and the effective control measures were taken. Results　One case occurred and 9 healthy carriers were found. The pathogen was identified as Ogawa vibrio cholerae with biotype 15f by phage-typing and virulence gene ctx positive. Conclusion　The cholera epidemic was caused by the contaminated food from a diner in rural areas. The vibrio cholerae proved to have the ability to produce cholera toxin, which was an uncommon and non-prevalence strains. Cross-contamination during the processing and cooking of the food (chicken) was believed to be the source of infection.