RESUMO
Chile had been free from cholera in the last century. An outbreak of the disease affected Chile since april 1991, as part of the 7th pandemic of this disease. The present communication summarizes the clinical and epidemiologic characteristics of the first 7 patients seen at Dr Lucio Cordova's Hospital in Santiago. Four patients were males, 4 older than 58 years. None was a contact of persons travelling from the heavily affected Peru or had eaten raw fish or shellfish. Diarrhea was the most prominent sign with a daily volume over 8 liters in 2 patients. Vomiting and cramps occurred in 5 patients, 6 had some degree of dehydration and 3 were hypotensive. Metabolic acidosis was the main electrolyte alteration and renal insufficiency was evident in 3 cases. Treatment was based on rehydration and antibiotics. There were no deaths.