The Office of the PAHO/WHO Country Representative in Venezuela has provided us with an update of the current cholera situation in that country, as reported by the Ministry of Health and Social Assistance in their national weekly epidemiologic bulletin [ALERTA].

As at January 28, 2000, a cumulative total of seventy-two (72) cases of cholera have been notified in Venezuela. The greatest proportion of these reported cases, 76.3%, has occurred in the state of Sucre [capital: Cumana], which borders the Gulf of Paria and is roughly less than twenty kilometres away from the island of Trinidad at their nearest points. Thirteen cases of cholera have also been documented in the state of Delta Amacuro [capital: Tucupita], which borders Guyana.

Two deaths have also been recorded, both of which have occurred in the state of Sucre. Although there has been a significant decline in reported cholera morbidity in Venezuela during 2000 as compared with 1999, there remains a real risk for spread to other neighbouring countries through infected travellers, fishermen, etc.

We wish to once again emphasise the importance of the following:

1. Strengthening the surveillance of acute diarrhoeal illness;

2. Reviewing current laboratory capabilities for cholera diagnosis;

3. Reminding clinicians and health care providers, both at the primary and secondary care levels of the need for preparedness.

While much training had been conducted and a high level of awareness and preparedness achieved, following the 1991 introduction of cholera into the Americas, the absence of any cases in the Caribbean islands may have resulted in a diminution of preparedness.