Nuneaton, Warwickshire — February 14, 2024 — A man in his 80s has died after contracting a rare strain of bacteria resembling cholera, marking the first such case in the UK in over a century. The pensioner, a father of two, began experiencing sickness and diarrhea last week, and his condition rapidly deteriorated.
A Ghost From the Past? Rare Cholera-Like Bacteria Surfaces in the UK
After 125 years without a case, a non-toxic strain of Vibrio cholerae has resurfaced, raising questions about its origin and potential spread.
- The deceased man tested positive for Non-toxigenic Vibrio cholerae, a strain that doesn’t cause the severe illness seen in historical cholera outbreaks.
- Health officials are investigating the source of the infection, as the man had no recent travel history.
- The family reported the man’s clothing will be incinerated as a precaution against potential spread.
- Cholera, historically a deadly disease in the UK, is typically transmitted through contaminated water or food.
What is Non-toxigenic Vibrio cholerae, and is it dangerous? This strain of bacteria is related to the cholera pathogen but lacks the toxin that causes the severe, life-threatening symptoms associated with the disease. While it can cause mild gastrointestinal distress, it’s not the same as the cholera epidemics that ravaged Victorian England.
The man was initially suspected of having norovirus, a common cause of vomiting and diarrhea, but his symptoms worsened, prompting hospitalization and quarantine at George Eliot Hospital. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) confirmed the presence of Non-toxigenic Vibrio cholerae in the individual’s test results. He died Wednesday afternoon, according to a source close to his family.
The family experienced a harrowing final few days with the man. His eldest son was permitted to be with him while he was wearing full personal protective equipment (PPE) as his condition declined. Doctors reportedly warned the family on Sunday that he had only hours to live, but he persisted until Wednesday. The family was also informed that his clothing would be incinerated to prevent any potential spread of the infection.
Health experts are currently reviewing the test results to rule out any possibility of a false positive. The UKHSA has not officially declared a case of cholera, only confirming the positive test for the Non-toxigenic strain.
Cholera, as defined by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, is typically spread through the ingestion of food or water contaminated with the feces of infected individuals. However, the UKHSA advises regular handwashing, as the bacteria can spread through contact with contaminated surfaces and subsequent oral transmission.
A History of Cholera in Britain
Cholera first appeared in Britain in 1831, claiming over 30,000 lives in its initial wave. A subsequent epidemic between 1848 and 1849 resulted in more than 60,000 deaths. During these outbreaks, the understanding of disease transmission was limited, and it was widely believed that “bad air” or miasmas were responsible for spreading the illness.
Edwin Chadwick, tasked with investigating sanitation conditions, ordered the removal of waste from streets to reduce odors. Ironically, this action worsened the situation, as the sewage was diverted into the River Thames, contaminating the city’s drinking water supply.
The breakthrough came with the work of John Snow, who demonstrated that cholera was transmitted through tainted water after tracing an outbreak to a contaminated cesspit. This discovery paved the way for significant improvements in sanitation, leading to the commissioning of Joseph Bazalgette to design a new sewage system for London.
The current situation remains under investigation, and health officials are working to determine the source of the infection and assess any potential risk to the public.
