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An outbreak of cholera in a refugee camp in Africa

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Abstract

A total of 541 cases of cholera were observed between May 7 and July 19, 1985 among the 9,929 displaced persons present in a refugee camp in Africa.

In spite of malnutrition and other diseases affecting this population, only 12 deaths occurred.

Antiepidemic measures consisted of preparation of isolation-wards, treatment of contaminated materials, training of refugees and patient care. Mass prophylaxis, initially considered, was dropped before the end of the epidemic.

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Djeddah, C., Miozzo, A., Di Gennaro, M. et al. An outbreak of cholera in a refugee camp in Africa. Eur J Epidemiol 4, 227–230 (1988). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00144757

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