The authorities in Bulgaria announce the first case of cholera registered on the territory of the country after more than 100 years. It is about a 23-year-old Indian citizen who traveled from August 13 to September 2 to New Delhi, India, reports the press center of the Bulgarian Ministry of Health, according to Novinite.
Cholera was eradicated from Bulgaria 103 years ago. Photo: Shutterstock
According to the Sofia Regional Health Inspectorate (RHI), the patient started showing symptoms of acute diarrhea on September 3. The diagnosis was confirmed by the National Laboratory of Particularly Dangerous Bacterial Infections within the National Center for Infections and Parasitism, and the man was isolated in the Department of Parasitic and Infectious Diseases. Doctors say that currently his health is good.
A close contact of the patient, who lives with him, has also been quarantined as a precaution. This contact tested negative but is receiving prophylactic antibiotic treatment. The ongoing epidemiological investigation has not identified any additional contacts. The patient did not visit public places or restaurants during his time in Bulgaria.
Measures have been implemented at the medical facility to prevent further spread, including enhanced disinfection and use of personal protective equipment by staff.
What is cholera?
Cholera is an extremely serious infectious disease caused by consuming contaminated food or water. The condition can lead to severe gastrointestinal problems, dehydration and high mortality rates.
Historically, cholera was widespread in India, with the Ganges River being a major source of infection. The disease spread globally in the early 20th century, leading to several pandemics. In Bulgaria, cholera was a significant problem until the early 1920s, with the last major outbreak occurring between 1914 and 1918, followed by a single case in 1921. The advent of water purification and chlorination efforts greatly reduced the prevalence of cholera in Europe . However, the World Health Organization continues to report large numbers of cases due to outbreaks in Africa and South America.
