EEIP RIDRM Cholera
Cholera is an acute diarrheal illness caused by enterotoxins produced by Vibrio cholera bacteria. Illness occurs when bacteria, in contaminated water or food, are ingested. Although rare in the United States, cases have increased globally since 2005. It is important for travelers to know where cholera cases occur. A vaccine (Vaxchora) is available that prevents severe diarrhea caused by most common type of cholera bacteria.
Actions Required and Control Measures
Reporting Requirements - Category 1
Cholera is physician reportable immediately by telephone on the day of recognition or strong suspicion to both the Connecticut Department of Public Health (DPH) and the local health department (LHD). A mailed report is also required within 12 hours. The director of any clinical laboratory must also report laboratory evidence of cholera to both the DPH and the LHD. Additional laboratory requirements: Isolates of V. cholera must be submitted to the DPH State Public Health Laboratory for confirmation. To assure you have the most up-to-date information concerning reportable diseases, please visit the Reporting of Diseases, Emergency Illnesses, Health Conditions, and Laboratory Findings page.
Case Investigation
LHD Responsibility: If the case is in a high-risk occupation or setting, the LHD will implement control measures.
DPH Responsibility: DPH will contact the testing laboratory and the case’s physician to confirm the diagnosis of cholera, interview case to identify individuals in high-risk occupations or settings (food handler, health care worker with direct patient contact, day care settings), and provide information and educational materials describing the nature of the disease and preventive measures.
The DPH will then notify the LHD of the above findings and provide additional recommendations regarding follow-up, if needed.
Control Measures
Recommendations on exclusion from high-risk occupations or settings should be made in consultation with DPH.
This page last updated 9/16/2019.