Factors contributing to the prevalence of cholera during 2008 to 2009 in Vhembe District of Limpopo Province, South Africa

Abstract

Cholera is an acute enteric infection caused by the ingestion of bacterium Vibrio cholerae present in faecally contaminated water or food. Primarily linked to insufficient access to safe water and proper sanitation, its impact can be even more dramatic in areas where basic environmental infrastructures are disrupted or have been destroyed. The aim of the study was to investigate the factors contributing to the prevalence of cholera and the environmental risk factors associated with cholera in the Vhembe district of Limpopo province between 2008 and 2012. The objectives of the study were to identify environmental risk factors for cholera and to determine the number of cholera cases in the Vhembe district. The study used a quantitative, retrospective and cross-sectional research method. The records of 317 patients who met the study criteria were reviewed using an audit tool. The Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 22 was used to analyze the data. The results revealed that lack of adequate hygiene practices, limited access to safe drinking water, lack of safe food preparation and handling, and inadequate sanitation system are risk factors associated with cholera. The study recommends prevention, control of cholera outbreak and case management. Keywords: Cholera, outbreak, Vibrio cholerae 01 and 0139, Watery diarrhea (ricewater), Prevalence, Risk factors.