outbreak of enterica in El-Waledya area Assiut district

ABSTRACT

61 cases of enterica confirmed by Widal's test were studied in an outbreak in El-Husain Clinic in El-Waledya area [population 41602 census 1986]. They mainly presented with fever, coated tongue, constipation and splenomegaly. It was found that enterica is constantly endemic in this area but it tends to increase in summer and autumn. The highest frequency of cases occur among age group 20 - 30 years which may be related to food intake from food handlers. In a trial to find the source of infection, mapping of the area and determination of residence have been done. Also, the absence of public sanitary disposal may be related to the outbreak. Sensitivity of the organism to chloramphenicol was 85.2%. Mixed infection, i.e. typhoid and paratyphoid, were recorded [3.2%]