Cholera case detected in Cayman

A case of cholera has been found in Cayman, health officials have said.

The Ministry of Health and the Public Health Department said in a statement issued late on Wednesday afternoon that there was “no evidence of a cholera outbreak” at present and the case was being treated as an isolated one “while investigations continue”.

The release added that the affected person, who had complained of gastrointestinal illness, had since recovered from symptoms and remained at home.

Chief Medical Officer Dr. Hilary Wolf said, “We have confirmed a single, mild case of cholera. The individual is recovering well, and this appears to be a sporadic case. Public health teams are actively investigating and taking all appropriate precautions.”

Cholera is typically spread through contaminated water or food.

Health officials said investigations were under way to determine the source of the infection, and that the Public Health Department was working with the Cayman Islands Molecular Biology Laboratory “to verify results, while maintaining clinical follow-up and assessing any potential exposures”.

They said a laboratory result from the patient had indicated presence of a cholera-related bacteria and that the case was under active review.

PCR-based testing identified the bacteria, Vibrio cholerae, as well as cholera toxin markers, but officials said the clinical presentation does not meet the criteria for severe cholera, or cholera gravis.

‘Risk to public remains low’

Medical Officer of Health Dr. Samuel Williams-Rodriguez said, “At this time, there is no evidence of further spread, and the risk to the public remains low.

“We are monitoring close contacts and have increased surveillance as a precaution.”

Officials added surveillance across the health system had been heightened despite the low risk and water testing and contact monitoring were being carried out.

Minister for Health Katherine Ebanks-Wilks said, “This is a precautionary response to a single sporadic case. There is no evidence of community spread, and our public health systems are actively responding. We will continue to monitor the situation closely and keep the public informed.”

No additional cases had been identified by Wednesday afternoon.

Cholera is an acute diarrheal infection, normally caused by food or water contaminated with Vibrio cholerae bacteria.

Officials said that cholera was not an airborne illness, so no measures were advised beyond routine hygiene practices, including regular handwashing with soap and water, the consumption of safe, treated or bottled water and proper food preparation and handling.

They added that anyone suffering from persistent diarrhoea, vomiting or signs of dehydration should seek immediate medical care.

The Ministry of Health said it would provide updates on the situation if there were any major developments.