The characteristics of a cholera outbreak in Pushkino District, the Azerbaijan SSR

The outbreak of cholera in the Pushkino District of the Azerbaijan SSR, caused by the penetration of Vibrio cholerae into the water of the irrigation system, is described. Altogether 2 cholera patients and 39 Vibrio carriers were detected. The etiological agent of this infection was V. cholerae eltor, serovar Ogawa, with typical phenotype characteristics. From all patients and 37 carriers virulent strains and from 2 carriers faintly virulent strains were isolated. In this outbreak family foci were clearly observed, but the transmission of infection through everyday contacts was practically of no importance. The foci with multiple cases were formed due to the action of one transmission factor: contaminated water.