Cholera Outbreak in Mexico

Pilots should be aware that there has been a recent outbreak of cholera in Mexico. Out of the 159 reported cases, most are from the state of Hidalgo. There have also been two reported cases in the Federal District, one in San Luis Potosi, two in Veracruz, and nine in the State of Mexico. It is possible that these people contracted cholera when visiting Hidalgo, but this has yet to be confirmed. The Ministry of Health is launching an awareness campaign to help prevent the spread of this disease.

Here are some frequently asked questions about cholera:

What is cholera?

Cholera is an acute, diarrheal illness caused by infection of the intestine with the bacterium Vibrio cholerae. The infection is often mild or without symptoms, but can sometimes be severe. Approximately 1 in 20 (5 percent) infected persons will have severe disease characterized by profuse watery diarrhea, vomiting, and leg cramps. In these people, rapid loss of body fluids leads to dehydration and shock. Without treatment, death can occur within hours.

How does a person get cholera?

A person can get cholera by drinking water or eating food contaminated with the bacterium. In an epidemic, the source of the contamination is usually the feces of an infected person that contaminates water and/or food. The disease can spread rapidly in areas with inadequate treatment of sewage and drinking water. The disease is not likely to spread directly from one person to another; therefore, casual contact with an infected person is not a risk for becoming ill.

How do I avoid getting cholera?

The risk for cholera is very low for people visiting areas with epidemic cholera. When simple precautions are observed, contracting the disease is unlikely.
All people (visitors or residents) in areas where cholera is occurring or has occurred should observe the following recommendations:

• Drink only bottled, boiled, or chemically treated water and bottled or canned carbonated beverages. When using bottled drinks, make sure that the seal has not been broken.

• Avoid tap water, water fountains, and ice cubes.

• Wash your hands with soap and water regularly, especially before preparing and/or eating food.

• If no water and soap are available, use an alcohol-based hand cleaner (with at least 60 percent alcohol).

• Eat foods that are packaged or that are freshly cooked and served hot.

• Do not eat raw or undercooked meats and seafood or unpeeled fruits and vegetables.

What should I do if I think I have cholera?

If you think you may have cholera, seek medical attention immediately. Dehydration can be rapid so fluid replacement is essential.

What is the treatment for cholera?

Cholera can be simply and successfully treated by immediate replacement of the fluid and salts lost through diarrhea. Patients can be treated with an oral rehydration solution, a prepackaged mixture of sugar and salts to be mixed with water and drunk in large amounts. This solution is used throughout the world to treat diarrhea. Severe cases also require intravenous fluid replacement. With prompt rehydration, fewer than 1 percent of cholera patients die.

Antibiotics shorten the course and diminish the severity of the illness, but they are not as important as receiving rehydration. Persons who develop severe diarrhea and vomiting in countries where cholera occurs should seek medical attention promptly.