Epidemiological and Demographic Study of Cholera Cases with Control Interventions in Ahmedabad, 2024

Abstract

Cholera is a significant public health concern in metropolitan India, particularly in areas with poor water and sanitation infrastructure. This article examines the 2024 cholera outbreak in Ahmedabad using retrospective epidemiological data from the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC)'s Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme. A total of 202 laboratory-confirmed cases were recorded. The study emphasized that children under the age of 15 account for 50.5% of cholera infections; however, no significant gender differences were found. Temporal analysis indicated a substantial rise during the monsoon season, while spatial mapping showed clustering in the Southern and Eastern zones, which are characterized by outdated pipes and inadequate drainage. Water quality assessments revealed that 20% of samples lacked chlorine, with barely half meeting the WHO's recommended threshold of 0.5 mg/L.

Multivariate research found residual chlorine to be a key protective factor, with cholera risk decreasing by 64% for every 1 ppm increase. AMC's immediate initiatives improved chlorination, surveillance, and community awareness, and the outbreak was stopped within six weeks. However, ongoing deficiencies in water safety and infrastructure show the need for long-term remedies. Policy recommendations include real-time water quality monitoring, GIS-based hotspot mapping, oral cholera immunization in high-risk areas, and climate-resilient WASH policies that align with WHO's Global Roadmap to 2030.