An investigation of a cholera epidemic in Butiama village of the Mara Region, Tanzania.

An outbreak of cholera between 19 March and 10 April 1986 in Butiama village of the Mara Region, Tanzania, was investigated in a case-control study, to try to find out the source of infection and its mode of transmission. Sixty-seven patients, including 11 deaths occurring before 29 March, were used to describe the epidemic, but 26 of the first patients were interviewed using a questionnaire, and each was compared with age and sex-matched healthy next-door neighbours. They were questioned about likely risk factors.

Tetanus neonatorum--experience with intrathecal serotherapy at Muhimbili Medical Centre, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.

In an attempt to lower the mortality rate of neonatal tetanus a study was undertaken to determine whether intrathecal serotherapy influences mortality from this disease. Sixty-six babies with tetanus neonatorum were studied. The mortality rate among babies who received intrathecal anti-tetanus serum (ATS) was 45% compared with 82% in the control group given intramuscular ATS (P congruent to 0.