Low detection of Vibrio cholerae carriage in healthcare workers returning to 12 Latin American countries from Haiti.

SUMMARY This investigation was undertaken to characterize the prevalence of intestinal Vibrio cholerae in healthcare workers (HCWs) returning from Haiti due to the ongoing cholera epidemic. Eight hundred and fifty asymptomatic HCWs of the Cuban Medical Brigade, who planned to leave Haiti, were studied by laboratory screening of stool culture for V. cholerae. A very low percentage (0.23%) of toxigenic V. cholerae serogroup O1, serotype Ogawa was found. To the best of our knowledge, this study represents the largest reported screening study for V. cholerae infection in asymptomatic HCWs returning from a cholera-affected country. Cholera transmission to health personnel highlights a possible risk of transmitting cholera during mobilization of the population for emergency response. Aid workers are encouraged to take precautions to reduce their risk for acquiring cholera and special care should be taken by consuming safe water and food and practising regular hand washing.

[Fetal death, computerized statistical analysis]. / Muerte fetal, análisis estadístico computacional.

PIP: The authors emphasize the importance of computer analysis in statistical evaluation in obstetrics. 99 case histories of fetal deaths among a group of 135 occurred in 1978 in the Obstetrical and Gynecological Unit, Hospital Paula Jaraquemada, Santiago (fetal death rate of 16.4/1000 live births) were set up in precodified clinical records and submitted for computer analysis. The general principles and techniques of computation as applied to medical statistics are outlined, with special emphasis on its accuracy, double and triple cross operations, and other relevant advantages. Tables, comments, and conclusions are presented. (author's)^ieng