title: Cholera reveals helminthiasis problem.
abstract: Cholera has now lasted for about 6 months in our hilly region in Mwanza, Tanzania.  The heavy rains coupled with the poor sanitary conditions and sewage disposal system have worsened the situation.  The pit latrines used by the majority of low-income people are either not adequately and properly used for excreta disposal or they overflow.  At our regional referral and consultancy hospital we were, for a period, receiving cholera cases which should have been managed in isolation at other centers.  (This situation has now been rectified.)  Some of the children with cholera either vomited or passed Ascaris lumbricoides in their rice water-like stools.  Previously, these children were not being treated for ascariasis.  Practical steps can be taken to reduce the transmission of fecal-borne infections.  For more than 30 years we have failed to have a latrine for each family; we should aim for at least one for every 10 households.  The provision of clean tap-water and facilities to deworm pre-school children would also be welcomed.  In addition, medical officers should actively instruct the community in the science of hygiene.
authors.forename: C M
authors.initials: CM
authors.lastname: Matiko
mesh_terms: D000349:Africa; D017954:Africa South of the Sahara; D000351:Africa, Eastern; D002771:Cholera; D003906:Developing Countries; D004194:Disease; D006262:Health; D006920:Hygiene; D007239:Infections; D011634:Public Health; D012499:Sanitation; D013636:Tanzania
keywords: Africa; Africa South Of The Sahara; Bacterial And Fungal Diseases; Cholera; Developing Countries; Diseases; Eastern Africa; English Speaking Africa; Health; Hygiene; Infections; Public Health; Sanitation; Tanzania