A Study on the Source of Cholera Epidemic of Korea 1995-1996 / 한국역학회지

ABSTRACT

E1 tor cholera epidemic have been reported eight times in Korea since 1963. Researchers suspected unattempted importation of cholera bacteria from foreign countries or artificial germination by some people. No researchers have made hypotheses of environmental reservoir as the sources of cholera epidemics until in 1991 in Korea. This study focuses on the aquatic reservoir as the potential source of cholera epidemic. A total of 68 cholera patients were noted in 1995 and only two in 1996. Authors argue for aquatic reservoir as the source of 1995, 1996 cholera epidemic and designate sea fishes as the vehicle of cholera infection The national Institute of Health team cultured Vibrio cholera O1, from the samples of sea water from Kangwha county in September 1995. The sporadic Occurrence of cholera patients around the country who have not traveled out of town support aquatic environmental reservoir as the source of 1995, 1996 cholera epidemic in Korea.