[First cases of cholera observed in children at the Befelatanana General Hospital--Antananarivo University Hospital Center (Madagascar)].

Ravages caused by cholera among children are well known. The disease invaded Madagascar in 1999 May. This retrospective study reported the first childhood cholera cases. The survey was carried out at the Befelatanana Hospital during the period of cholera outbreak from April 23th to July 31st. The purpose of the study was to specify clinical, epidemiological and bacteriological characteristics of the disease. 5 out of 178 suspected cholera cases were less than 15 years old. 2 young girls out these 5 children, inhabitants of Antananarivo-City were hospitalized for acute diarrhoea with serious dehydratation. Their disease was confirmed by bacteriology. Vibrio cholera O1 strain, serovar Ogawa was identified. Epidemiological investigation allowed to identify the contamination modal in the file no 1. The authors conclude that cholera is an important problem of public health in developing country like Madagascar. Disease control needs environmental sanitation and good individual hygiene practices.