A remote South American gold mining town has reported a cholera epidemic. Once a tiny railroad settlement, the town grew to 500 people with the discovery of gold in the river. Cholera had never been seen in the town. Thirty people died before the epidemic slowed. As a researcher with the state public health department, you must investigate, hypothesize how the disease spread, and test this hypothesis.

Question

Make Notes
1. Make notes from your interviews with information that may identify the source of the cholera infections. To interview additional people page back. When you have completed your interviews and notes, page ahead.

Type your answer here.
easy simple no big words

Answer 1

Notes from Interviews on Cholera Epidemic

1. Town Background:

   • Small mining town, population of 500.
   • Grew rapidly due to gold discovery.
   • No previous cases of cholera reported.

2. Epidemic Details:

   • 30 reported deaths related to cholera.
   • Symptoms: diarrhea, vomiting, dehydration.

3. Possible Sources of Infection:

   • Water Supply:
     • Town receives water from a nearby river.
     • River may be contaminated due to mining activities.
     • Locals use river water for drinking and washing.
   • Food Sources:
     • Some residents may have eaten raw or undercooked food from river sources (fish, etc.).
   • Sanitation Issues:
     • Lack of proper sewage systems.
     • Waste may be getting into the water supply.

4. Interviewed Residents:

   • Local Shop Owner:
     • Noticed increase in sickness after heavy rainfall.
     • Noted that many people drank river water directly.
   • Elderly Resident:
     • Mentioned old practices of washing clothes in the river.
     • Informed that animals also drink from the same source.
   • Miners:
     • Some miners admitted to bathing in the river after work.
     • Reported seeing dead fish and unusual debris in the water.

5. Travel and Gatherings:

   • Town had a recent festival celebrating the gold discovery.
   • Visitors from other towns may have brought illnesses.
   • Gathering increased social contact and sharing of food and water.

6. Health Resources:

   • Few medical facilities available.
   • Limited access to clean water or sanitation awareness.

7. Actions Taken:

   • Temporary clinics set up for treatment.
   • Water boiling advised until further notice.

Next Steps:

• Test water samples from the river for cholera bacteria.
• Gather more information on food sources and sanitation practices.
• Consider tracking visitors during the festival for potential disease spread.

Conclusion: Cholera likely spread through contaminated water from the river, exacerbated by community practices and recent social gatherings. Further investigation and testing are necessary for confirmation.