Role of water and sanitation in the incidence of cholera in refugee camps
Khan, M.U.; Shahidullah, M.
Transactions of the Royal Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene 76(3): 373-377
1982
ISSN/ISBN: 0035-9203 PMID: 7112660 DOI: 10.1016/0035-9203(82)90194-8Document Number: 386117
The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of cholera in two groups: (i) people using covered latrine and piped water; (ii) people using uncovered surface latrine and pond and tubewell water. The study population consisted of cholera cases admitted to the ICDDR, B hospital from three refugee camps. In the one camp with sanitation facilities, the cholera rate was 1.6 per 1,000, whereas in the two camps without facilities the rates were 4.0 and 4.3 per 1,000. Following demolition of the camps, the cholera rates decreased significantly in the camps geographical zones. Cholera was not totally eliminated, even in the one camp with sanitation facilities, suggesting that health education, as well as proper sanitation, is necessary to eradicate cholera.